S-Lab primarily designs 2D/3D structures that embody physical and mechano-intelligence by integrating geometric symmetry, structural instability (such as bifurcation and contact mechanics), and smart materials—including shape memory polymers, shape memory alloys, magneto-elastomers, liquid metals, and others—in composite or multimaterial systems. We are currently offering Ph.D. and Postdoctoral positions across various research thrusts in mechanical metamaterials.

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Thrust 1: Mechanics of Metamaterials:

  • Projects: Micropolar constitutive modeling of metamaterials with broken geometric symmetry; constitutive modeling of metamaterials with nonreciprocal behaviors.
  • Required Skills:

  1. Strong background in the continuum mechanics theory of elasticity and structural mechanics, including cylindrical, spherical, and other 3D geometries.

  2. Proficient programming skills in MATLAB and finite element (FE) simulation skills in ABAQUS.

Thrust 2.1: Design of Metamaterials for Thermal Management:

  • Projects: Mechano-intelligence in thermal management, including thermal switch, thermal diode, and thermal computing with logic gates.
  • Required Skills:

  1. Strong background in structural mechanics, instability, contact mechanics, and heat transfer.

  2. Proficient programming skills in MATLAB.

  3. FE simulation skills in ABAQUS, e.g., user subroutine of shape memory polymers.

  4. Experience in device fabrication and conducting thermal experiments.

Thrust 2.2: Design of Metamaterials for Vibration Isolation:

  • Project: Multimodal vibration isolation with negative and quasi-zero stiffness.
  • Required Skills:

  1. Strong background in mechanical vibration, structural mechanics, and instability.

  2. Proficient programming skills in MATLAB.

  3. FE simulation skills in ABAQUS, e.g., user subroutine of shape memory alloys.

  4. Experience in building devices and conducting vibration tests with the LabView interface.

Thrust 3: Manufacturing of Metamaterials:

  • Project: DIW-based 4D printing of magneto-thermomechanical metamaterials.
  • Required Skills:

  1. Strong background in structural mechanics and materials engineering.

  2. Proficient programming skills in MATLAB and Python.

  3. Skills in the synthesis and characterization of soft composite materials.

  4. Experience in device construction with Arduino and Raspberry PI microprocessors.

  5. FE simulation skills and robotic arm control (optional).

Thrust 4: Applied Research with Metamaterials:

  • Projects: Automotive industry projects focusing on the design of wheels, suspension systems, and battery thermal management with metamaterials.
  • Required Skills:

  1. Strong background in the continuum mechanics theory of elasticity and structural mechanics, including cylindrical,

  spherical, and other 3D geometries.

  2. Proficient programming skills in MATLAB and Python.

  3. Advanced FE simulation skills in 3D structures and composites with ABAQUS, including the integration of MATLAB and     Python codes with ABAQUS.

  4. A theoretical background in nonlinear solid mechanics (hyperelastic and viscoelastic modeling) is preferred.