The PhD, hosted at IMT Mines Alès, will experimentally investigate the same physical mechanisms using 3D-printed or molded meta-grains and custom-designed shear and compression apparatuses. Building on the shapes and configurations identified in PhD 1, the doctoral candidate will design and perform experiments to measure the macroscopic cohesion and friction angle of dense meta-granular packings.
The PhD will begin with a bibliographic review and training period focused on experimental methods, image correlation, and granular physics. The candidate will then design and assemble a versatile testing apparatus—based on Couette or compression geometries—that enables controlled deformation of meta-grain assemblies while measuring the corresponding stresses. The setup will be compatible with in-situ X-ray tomography, allowing full 3D observation of the internal structure during deformation.
In parallel, the candidate will fabricate meta-grains via Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) or molding, testing various geometric configurations derived from the numerical database produced in PhD 1. GPU-accelerated Digital Volume Correlation (DVC) will be used to extract 3D displacement fields and contact kinematics within the bulk of the samples.
The final experimental campaign will aim to determine the same macroscopic quantities—cohesion (c) and friction angle (ϕ)—as in PhD 1 and to validate the numerical predictions through direct comparison. This experimental database will thus provide a crucial validation of geometric cohesion mechanisms in real materials.
In addition to the experimental program, the candidate will carry out a complementary numerical study using simplified DEM simulations (in collaboration with PhD 1) to compare the measured stress–strain responses with the numerical results. This cross-validation will help identify the key geometrical and mechanical factors governing geometric cohesion and will ensure a strong coupling between the two PhD projects.
Candidate Profile
Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or Civil Engineering.
Experience in experimental mechanics, 3D printing, and image-based measurements (DIC/DVC, tomography) will be appreciated.
Both candidates should be curious, autonomous, and motivated by interdisciplinary research bridging granular physics, materials science, physics, and civil engineering.
Proficiency in English is required; knowledge of French will be considered an asset.
Practical Information
- Duration: 3 years
- Starting date: 2026 (flexible)
- Funding: Fully funded by the French National Research Agency (ANR) under project Exo2GeCo
- Locations: Montpellier (LMGC) / Alès (IMT Mines Alès)
- Research Axis and Hosting Team: The project will be conducted within the Milieux Divisés research axis of the Laboratoire de Mécanique et Génie Civil (LMGC).
Supervising and collaborating team:- LMGC / Université de Montpellier: Emilien Azéma (PR), Mathieu Renouf (CR), Jonathan Barés (IR), Rémy Mozul (IR)
- LMGC / IMT Mines Alès: Arnaud Regazzi (Ass. Pr), Patrick Ienny (Pr), Sylvain Buonomo (IR)
- International Collaboration: Conducted in partnership with the Universidad de los Andes (Bogotá, Colombia), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, with Prof. Nicolás Estrada.
Short research stays at Los Andes University will be possible during the PhD program.
Application Procedure
Applicants should send a single PDF file including:
- A detailed CV
- A motivation letter indicating the preferred PhD position (or both)
- Academic transcripts
- Contact details of two referees
Applications and inquiries should be sent to:
- emilien.azema@umontpellier.fr
- arnaud.regazzi@mines-ales.fr
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