PhD Position Understanding of internal mechanisms of nylon fibre rope at different scales (F/M)

Case study
The PhD will focus on a polyamide rope designed for mooring application. It is composed of strands twisted together. Each strand is composed of rope-yarns also twisted together. The mechanical properties are due to the polyamide material and to the frictions between the rope-yarns and the strands.

Main tasks
Experiments
• Tensile tests on immersed nylon ropes submitted to complex loadings (instrumentation, analysis)
• Friction tests on sub-rope components (design of original devices, instrumentation, analysis)
• Understanding of damage mechanisms under creep and fatigue test (microscopy, X-Ray tomography)
Mechanical modelling
• Identification and validation of a macro-scale behaviour law on experimental tests for several ropes’ scales
• Development of a model of the rope at the meso-scale (strands and rope-yarns) to describe friction and non-linear behaviour
• Finite Elements simulations of ropes and comparison to experimental results for several scales

Initial training
• Master 2 or engineering school degree: mechanics of materials and structures.

Scientific knowledge
Required
• Finite element code for structure analysis
• Continuum mechanics and large deformation theory
Desirable
• Computer programming
• Mechanical testing
• Knowledge of ORE systems

Professional assets
• Scientific curiosity, creativity, and a taste for research activities
• Scientific rigor and critical analysis
• Autonomy and organization
• Ability to work as part of a team, in both academic and corporate environments.
• Ability to synthesize, write and speak fluently in English

In accordance with the regulations, priority will be given to people with disabilities who are equally qualified.