INT-26048 - FINITE ELEMENT MODELLING AND ANALYSIS OF META-MATERIALS FOR IMPACT PROTECTION

Interniship contract (compulsory)– 6 months | Fulltime/40h | From 01.03.2026 on | Hautscharage

Are you passionate about research? So are we! Come and join us

The Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) is a Research and Technology Organization (RTO) active in the fields of materials, environment and IT. By transforming scientific knowledge into technologies, smart data and tools, LIST empowers citizens in their choices, public authorities in their decisions and businesses in their strategies.

https://www.list.lu/

How will you contribute?

During this internship, you will contribute to an ongoing research line on lightweight protective structures, focusing on architected lattices, particularly Triply Periodic Minimal Surface (TPMS) cores, integrated in sandwich panels to improve resistance to low-velocity impact / ballistic-like loading while maintaining low mass.

Working under the supervision of experienced researchers, you will gain hands-on exposure to modelling and simulation workflows used in advanced engineering R&D, while supporting the internal development of design guidelines and modelling approaches.

Your contributions will include:

• Conducting a focused state-of-the-art review on TPMS lattices, sandwich panels, and modelling approaches for low-velocity impact.

• Identifying candidate TPMS topologies and defining a parametric study plan (e.g., relative density, wall thickness, cell size).

• Assisting in the development of representative finite element models in Abaqus, including geometry preparation, meshing strategy exploration, boundary conditions, and appropriate material modelling assumptions for exploratory studies.

• Running supervised simulation campaigns and extracting comparison metrics (e.g., peak force and absorbed energy).

• Organising results into clear tables/plots and discussing trends, limitations, and next steps with the supervisors.

  
  

This internship is run in parallel with a companion experimental internship. Material data and test observations generated experimentally will support the choice/calibration of modelling parameters and help benchmark trends. In return, your modelling results will help prioritise which TPMS topologies and parameter ranges should be printed and tested first.

This role is intended to be informative, exploratory, and vocational, helping you to develop practical skills while contributing to the broader research context in a meaningful and educational way.

Is Your profile described below? Are you our future colleague? Apply now!

Education

• Master student in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Structural Engineering (or similar).

• Students from Materials Science, Civil Engineering, Physics, or Computational Engineering backgrounds will also be considered if they have relevant skills and interests.

• Coursework in computational mechanics / numerical methods is an asset.

Experience and skills

• Fundamentals of mechanics of solids and structures.

• Good understanding of the finite element method.

• Basic experience with Abaqus (or similar FE software).

• Basic Python skills for data processing and post-processing (plots, metrics extraction).

• Interest in metamaterials / TPMS and numerical simulation.

• Ability to work with scientific literature and document work clearly (short reports, figures, presentations).

  
  

Language skills

• Fluency in English, both oral and written. Other relevant languages are an asset.

Your LIST benefits

An organization with a passion for impact and strong RDI partnerships in Luxembourg and Europe that works on responsible and independent research projects;

Sustainable by design, empowering our belief that we play an essential role in paving the way to a green society;

Innovative infrastructures and exceptional labs occupying more than 5,000 square meters, including innovations such as our Viswall, high-scale incubators and top of the range 3D/4D printings that are part of our toolkit for excelling in all we do;

Multicultural and international work environment with more than 45 nationalities represented in our workforce; 

Diverse and inclusive work environment empowering our people to fulfill their personal and professional ambitions;

Gender-friendly environment with multiple actions to attract, develop and retain women in science;

32 days’ paid annual leave for a full time internship, 11 public holidays per annum, flexible working hours,

An environment encouraging curiosity, innovation and entrepreneurship in all areas.

Apply online

https://www.list.lu/en/jobs/interns/

Your application must include a CV and a motivation letter oriented towards the position and detailing your experience

Application procedure and conditions:

Start: 01/03/26.

We kindly request applicants to provide their nationality for statistical purposes only, as part of our commitment to promoting diversity and ensuring equal opportunities in our workforce. This information will be kept confidential and will not be used for any discriminatory purposes.

LIST is dedicated to maintaining an inclusive work environment and is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to attracting, hiring, and retaining a diverse workforce. All applicants will be considered for employment without discrimination based on national origin, race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, religion, age, or disability.

Applications will be continuously reviewed until the position is filled. An assessment committee will thoroughly evaluate applications, adhering to guidelines designed to ensure equal opportunities. The primary criteria for selection will be the alignment of the applicant's existing skills and expertise with the requirements mentioned above.