Postdoc in phase-field modelling of piezoelectric materials - DTU Energi

This Postdoc position concerns numerical modelling of piezoelectric materials using the phase field framework. The goal is to investigate the link between a material’s microstructure and ferroelectric domain wall motion.
If you are interested in computational modelling of physical systems and want to help advance the understanding of the piezoelectric energy conversion phenomena at the microscale, this postdoc position is for you.

At DTU Energy we are conducting a research project where we apply computer simulations to investigate the behavior of piezoelectric/electrostrictive materials with the goal of improving their performance. Piezoelectric materials exhibit a coupling between electric and elastic phenomena. This means that applying an electric potential causes the material to deform, or vice versa: applying a mechanical force causes the material to generate an electric field and hence a current. As such, they are already used in several applications either as actuators or as power generators, especially for miniaturized devices, e.g. Internet of Things (IoT) devices.

It is known that the performance of piezoelectric materials is determined by several features of their microstructure, e.g. size and shape of their crystal grains or presence of inclusions. However, in this project we investigate a yet unresolved question: how can we optimize the microstructure such that the best performance is achieved? To answer this question, we will use phase-field modelling: an elegant mathematical formalism that can be used to predict the behavior of the material at the micro- and nanoscale.

Your focus will be to further develop our existing COMSOL-based finite element method (FEM) implementation of a phase field model, and to employ it for investigating the link between microstructure and macroscopic performance. After completing the development and validation of the model, you will use it to simulate the behavior of artificially generated or experimentally extracted microstructures. The output of the model is a visualization of ferroelectric domains, their motion, and their interaction with grain boundaries and other local defects present in the microstructure. Moreover, the model predicts the electric and electro-elastic hysteretic behavior of the material, from which one can extract the relevant figures of merit (e.g. remanence, coercivity, and piezoelectric coupling coefficients).

The outcome of the project will be to advance the understanding of the link between different kinds of microstructural features and the macroscopic performance of these functional materials. Given the relevance of these materials to the key technologies mentioned above, this research project is not only interesting from a scientific point of view, but also promises significant societal impact.

The project is performed as a collaboration between researchers in the sections “Structural Analysis and Modelling” and “Applied Ceramics and Processing”.

Responsibilities and qualifications
Qualified applicants must have:

• PhD degree in physics, astronomy, mathematics, engineering, computer science or similar.
• Ideally, experience with the following physics topics: theory of ferroelectricity, linear elasticity, piezoelectricity, and Gibbs-like theories (e.g. micromagnetism or Landau-Ginzburg-Devonshire theory)
• Experience with mathematical models, ideally calculus of variations and/or dynamical systems.
• Preferably, experience with numerical simulations such as Finite Element Methods (FEM).
• Preferably, experience with coding, e.g. MATLAB, Python or Fortran or similar.
• Ability to work independently, to plan and carry out complicated tasks, and to be a part of a large, dynamic group.
• Good communication skills in English, both written and spoken.

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent).

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and terms of employment
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.

The period of employment is 17 months.

The starting date is March 2025 (or according to mutual agreement). The position is a full-time position.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Andrea Roberto Insinga, +45 21180316.

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark.

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 1 December 2024 (23:59 Danish time).
Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• Application (cover letter)
• CV
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)
• List of publications

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

DTU Energy
is focused on education, research, and development within functional materials and their application in sustainable energy technologies. In a sustainable energy system, a large part of the energy will be supplied by fluctuating sources such as solar and wind power. This makes it critically important to be able to convert and store the energy as needed. Our research areas include fuel and electrolysis cells, solar cells, and batteries as well as advanced filtration devices. We are ca. 250 employees. Additional information about the department can be found on www.energy.dtu.dk.

DTU Energy is characterized by a diverse and multicultural research environment, with students, scholars, and employees coming from all over the world. The working culture values openness, honesty, and collaboration. The job allows for flexible working conditions, which enables a great work-life balance.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.

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