PhD on reconfigurable Elastic Metamaterials at Politecnico di Torino, Italy

Politecnico di Torino; Italia; On-site; EUR 17,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

Politecnico di Torino invites applications for a PhD position in the Department of Applied Science and Technology to study wave propagation in architected media whose dynamic response can be modified through external stimuli, deformation, flows or nonlinearities.

The project will investigate tunable band gaps, topological edge or interface states, reconfigurable waveguides, space–time modulation, non-reciprocal propagation, and energy transport.

Qualifications

• Strong background in physics, mechanical engineering, applied mathematics, or materials science.
• Interest in wave phenomena and structured media.
• Proficiency in numerical methods and programming.
• Experience with MATLAB, Python, or C/C++.
• Knowledge of FEM and metamaterials is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop analytical and numerical models of wave propagation in architected media.
• Perform finite-element and time-domain simulations; explore dispersion and localization.
• Validate concepts experimentally using piezoelectric excitation and full-field vibrometry.
• Disseminate findings and contribute to design principles for adaptive metamaterials.

Skills

Physics

Mechanical engineering

Applied mathematics

Materials science

Programming skills

MATLAB

Python

C/C++

Wave phenomena

Education

Master Degree in Physics

Master Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master Degree in Materials Engineering

Master Degree in Acoustics

Tools

COMSOL Multiphysics

Job description

Department of Applied Science and Technology

Organisation/Company Politecnico di Torino Department Department of Applied Science and Technology Research Field Physics - Classical mechanics Physics - Acoustics Engineering - Mechanical engineering Engineering - Materials engineering Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 16 Nov 2026 - 12:00 (Europe/Rome) Country Italy Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 1 Mar 2027 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - ERC Reference Number 101201568 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

This PhD project will investigate wave propagation in architected media whose dynamic response can be modified through external stimuli, deformation, flows or intrinsic nonlinearities. The general objective is to understand how reconfigurability and nonlinear effects can be used to control dispersion, localization, transmission, mode conversion, and energy transport in architected media.

The research will address one or more topics including tunable band gaps, topological edge or interface states, reconfigurable waveguides, space–time modulation, non-reciprocal propagation, frequency conversion, and amplitude-dependent localization. Tunability may be obtained through prestress or finite deformation, geometrical instabilities, active or responsive materials, flows or other suitable physical mechanisms. A central aim will be to identify the physical mechanisms governing transitions between different wave‑propagation regimes and to determine their robustness with respect to damping, disorder, imperfections, and finite‑amplitude excitation. Particular attention may be devoted to the interaction between nonlinear dynamics and topological or localization phenomena, including switching, modal coupling, hysteresis, and dynamically induced changes in the wave spectrum. The work will combine analytical and reduced‑order modelling, numerical simulations, and experimental validation. Approaches include dispersion analysis, nonlinear stability and bifurcation methods, finite‑element and time‑domain simulations, and optimization of metamaterial architectures. Experimental activities may involve the fabrication of polymeric specimens and their characterization using piezoelectric excitation and full‑field vibration measurements. The final objective is to establish general design principles for adaptive metamaterials capable of manipulating elastic or acoustic waves and to demonstrate selected concepts in proof‑of‑principle devices for wave routing, vibration control, sensing, or signal processing.

Requirements

Research Field Physics - Classical mechanics Education Level Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field Engineering - Mechanical engineering Education Level Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field Engineering - Materials engineering Education Level Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field Physics - Acoustics Education Level Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

The candidate should have a sound background in physics, mechanical engineering, applied mathematics, materials science, or a related discipline, together with an interest in wave phenomena and the mechanics of structured media.

Useful theoretical competences include classical and continuum mechanics, vibrations, elasticity, wave propagation, and the derivation and analysis of governing equations and dispersion relations. Knowledge of nonlinear dynamics, phononic crystals, metamaterials, or topological wave physics is useful but not essential. Good numerical and programming skills are desirable, e.g. in MATLAB, Python, or C/C++. Experience with finite‑element packages such as COMSOL Multiphysics or similar would be useful. Experience with experimental mechanics, additive manufacturing or laser vibrometry would be valuable but is not mandatory. The balance between theoretical, computational, and experimental activities may be adjusted according to the candidate’s expertise and interests.

Languages ENGLISH Level Good

Research Field Physics - Classical mechanicsEngineering - Mechanical engineeringEngineering - Materials engineeringPhysics - Acoustics Years of Research Experience 1 - 4