We are looking for a PhD student for the Research Training Group 2450 "Tailored Scale-Bridging Approaches to Computational Nanoscience" for the numerical simulation of lubricated mechanical contacts. The PhD deals with the coupling of theoretical-numerical descriptions on molecular and continuum mechanical scales.

The microscopic processes underlying friction and lubrication have so far eluded quantitative description. The PhD aims at developing cross-scale simulation methods for the modeling of such processes. Here, the local viscoelastic material properties within the lubrication gap are to be described with molecular dynamics simulation methods and coupled to a global fluid mechanics simulation. Furthermore, the obtained pressure distribution in the lubrication gap leads to the deformation of the contacting solids, which is to be described by means of boundary element methods. The work builds on results of ongoing PhD studies within the project P1 of the Research Training Group 2450, in which a continuum mechanical solver was developed, which is in principle suitable for such a coupling.

Candidates are expected to cooperate closely with the Chair of Simulation at the University of Freiburg. Further information can be found at https://www.compnano.kit.edu.

• You have a completed master's degree in materials science, physics or chemistry.
• In addition, programming skills in a relevant scientific language (C++, Python or FORTRAN) are expected.

Salary

Salary category EG 13 TV-L, depending on the fulfillment of professional and personal requirements.