Welcome to Thibault Ghesquière-Diérickx
© 2023 EPFL
After obtaining his Master's degree in Civil Engineering at EPFL, he started his PhD at LSMS on 1st July 2023. He is enrolled in the EDME Doctoral Program in Mechanics.
Some questions to Thibault :
What is your field of research?
At LSMS, my research revolves around the dynamic fragmentation of brittle materials, specifically in the context of hyper-velocity impacts. Dynamic fragmentation refers to the rapid collapse of solids under extreme loading conditions, and it plays an essential role in understanding the formation of space debris during satellite collisions. Through the implementation of new ways of modeling fractures and the use of large numerical simulations, my research aims to obtain accurate statistical distributions of fragment sizes, shapes, and velocities resulting from these catastrophic events.
Why did you choose this field and why are you particularly enthusiastic about it?
Starting my journey in the LSMS lab a few years ago as a student, I had the opportunity to work on a few projects, exploring different computational techniques to understand complex mechanical phenomena. Gradually, with each project, my interest in this field grew stronger.
For this PhD, being able to apply numerical simulation approaches to the field of dynamic fragmentation particularly captivates me. Exploring the complex phenomena surrounding fragmentation would not only give us a deeper understanding of space debris formation but would also help mitigate the potential associated risks - an issue directly linked with the current ever growing population of satellites.
Throughout my research, I expect to encounter and tackle various problems. While constantly learning about diverse disciplines (such as fracture, damage and contact mechanics, and numerical computational techniques) I hope to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in these areas.
Outside the lab, what do you enjoy doing most?
Drawing has been a long-time passion of mine. I also really enjoy cooking for friends and family, trying new dishes from around the world. Mainly, I like to travel and discover new cultures, while trying to stay out of my comfort zone the most I can. My next goal is to start learning windsurfing on the beautiful Leman lake.