Master research internship (starting 02/2021)

Research internship: Master 2

Title: Development of a machine learning based model predicting the mechanical behavior of nano-reinforced polymer-based materials

Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Mechatronics, Phenikaa University, Yen Nghia, Ha Dong, Ha Noi, Viet Nam

1. Short description of the project

In the face of major challenges in technological innovation as well as from economic and environmental standpoints, there is a burgeoning need for materials to be developed. However, conventionally, novel materials are done discovered and characterized by experimentation. In general, laboratory experimentation takes a long time (10-20 years), for the development and testing of materials with appropriate properties. It should also be noted that these laboratory experiments are generally complicated, and costly both in terms of resources and equipment. Despite all efforts, it is only possible to test a limited number of ingredients and/or mixture proportions for manufacturing new materials.

In order to develop new materials more quickly, saving time and cost, numerical models are considered as an optimal choice. This project is devoted to the development and construction of practical Machine Learning (ML)-based models for the prediction of desired properties of nano-reinforced composite materials. The input variables are selected for the following main reasons: (i) type of polymer matrix, (ii) mechanical properties of polymer matrix, (iii) physical characteristics of nano-reinforcements (iv) mechanical properties of nano-reinforcements and (v) incorporation parameters such as nano-reinforcements weight fraction, nano-reinforcements surface modification method and processing method. In addition, uncertainty analysis is also applied to estimate the prediction confidence intervals. Finally, for practical application, a Graphical User Interface (GUI) is developed and provided freely to interested users.

Keywords: mechanical properties; machine learning; nanocomposites; statistical analysis

2. Contact

Dr. Tien-Thinh Le

Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Mechatronics, Phenikaa University, Yen Nghia, Ha Dong, Ha Noi, Viet Nam

Email: thinh.letien@phenikaa-uni.edu.vn

Phone: +84 0902889339

Webpage: Home page of Dr. Tien-Thinh Le

Interested candidates are invited to send a file including:

· A CV

· Available Master M2 academic results.

· Recommendation letters (if available)

3. Skills/required qualifications

The candidate should have a solid background in continuum mechanics, material modeling, numerical methods and should have a taste for programming/code development. Good knowledge in multiscale methods/homogenization and/or machine learning/data science is appreciated but not mandatory.

Vietnamese, French and English speakers are welcome.

4. Location

The candidate will be located at Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Mechatronics, Phenikaa University, Yen Nghia, Ha Dong, Ha Noi, Viet Nam

5. Starting period

Feb/Sept 2021

6. Opportunities at Phenikaa University after the internship

Phenikaa University offers various research positions including Research assistant, PhD thesis, and PostDoc. After the internship, with the support of Dr. Tien-Thinh Le, the candidate can apply to these funds to pursuit his/her research formation and career.