We are looking for a European candidate for a CNES/AID-funded thesis dedicated to 4D printing of bio-inspired composite materials for controlled energy release.

🎯 Objectives: Drawing on biomimicry and 4D printing, the thesis work for the 4D XPLOZ project aims to take inspiration from natural mechanisms to develop 4D composite metastructures that enable rapid release of elastic energy. Beyond the space sector, these structured materials could be used for flexible robotics and could be included in mechanisms for disseminating swarms of aerial or marine drones.

📋  Keywords: 4D printing, composite materials, architecture/properties link, biomimicry,

🙋 Targeted skills: The candidate must hold an engineering degree or a master's degree in polymer and composite materials science or mechanical engineering, and must have experience in additive manufacturing, digital simulation and composite materials. The candidate must have the following skills:

• Computational design (Rhino Grasshopper in particular)

• 3D printing (technological expertise, programming, maintenance, etc.)

• Polymer and composite materials science

🏠 Location: IRDL UMR CNRS in Lorient (Université Bretagne Sud) within the BIONICS team (www.bionics-group.com)

🤓 Supervision: Antoine le Duigou / Christelle Combescure / Mickael Castro

📅 Start date: As soon as possible!