PhD in Applied Mathematics

Morphing is a ubiquitous feature in nature: from the growth of plants to embryos evolution to wing adaptation in birds, shape-change is a fundamental aspect of the biological matter itself. What makes this phenomenon compelling is not only its beauty in nature, but its potential to reshape the way we design novel artificial systems, like materials that can adapt to their environment or systems that respond dynamically to external forces. Such possibilities challenge conventional thinking in engineering and design. By studying how stresses, geometry, and material properties interact, we can develop systems that morph with intention rather than by chance. We are inspired by nature, that offers countless inspirations, but the challenge is to translate these elegant mechanisms into technical solutions. The aim of the project is to develop new theoretical frameworks to understand the root causes of active morphing in two-dimensional membrane-like structures and to explore strategies for achieving desired shapes. A key aspect of the work is linking microscopic (discrete) mechanics to macroscopic (continuum) models of active slender systems. The project involves three main components: Theoretical continuum modelling. Extend classical mechanics of two-dimensional bodies by incorporating active effects to study the competition between elasticity and controlled actuation in shaping slender objects. Theoretical discrete modelling. Establish quantitative connections between the continuum parameters and the underlying microscopic mechanics. Numerical study. Implement the models in computational codes to design and optimize morphing strategies. During this project, you will be part of the Institute for Infrastructure and Environment. You will join a vibrant community of PhD students, postdoctoral research associates and academics.