Topic: viscoelasticity

A fully funded four-year PhD in ETH Zurich’s Robotic Materials group investigates materials whose mechanical modulus, viscoelasticity and flow behavior can be programmed within one continuous body. Work includes dynamic covalent polymer-composite synthesis, rheological characterization, theory and multiphysics simulation, and fabrication of soft robotic demonstrators. The project develops spatially addressable state modulation and demonstrates functions such as locomotion, grasping and navigating constrictions. The position is full-time in Zurich with a preferred start in the third or fourth q

The effect of non Newtonian liquid rheology on the swimming performance of microorganisms is still poorly understood, despite numerous recent studies. In our effort to clarify some aspects of this problem, we have developed a series of magnetic synthetic swimmers that self-propel immersed in a fluid by emulating the swimming strategy of flagellated microorganisms. With these devices, it is possible to control some aspects of the motion with the objective to isolate specific effects. In this talk, recent results on the effects of shear-thinning viscosity and viscoelasticity on the motion of hel