PhD Dynamic deformation, damage and fracture of composites
PhD @Loughborough University posted 2 weeks agoJob Description
Project details
In the recent years, the use of composite materials has demonstrated a continuing increase in aerospace, wind-energy, transportation, naval, defence and sports systems and products. This development exacerbated a need for improvement in understanding of dynamic deformation, damage and fracture of composites since such components and structures are exposed in service not only to quasi-static loading conditions. A transition from quasi-static loading regimes to dynamic ones in heterogeneous materials is much more complex than in traditional structural materials like metals and alloys. The presence of phases with various mechanical properties and interfaces affects the character of stress-wave propagation resulting in complex spatio-temporal scenarios of damage and failure evolution, initiated in multiple spots. The current state of research in this area can be found in the following book: V.V. Silberschmidt (ed.), Dynamic Deformation, Damage and Fracture in Composite Materials and Structures. Elsevier, Amsterdam e.a., 2nd ed.; 2024, 650 pp.
The project will be based on a combination of experimental and numerical techniques (to accommodate expertise and skills of a candidate in the best possible way) focused on investigation of damage and fracture evolution in modern composites (including 3d printed ones) exposed to dynamic loading and will include international collaboration. An emphasis will also be on development of finite-element modelling tools and their calibration/validation by experiments.
The School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering has seen 100% of its research impact rated as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ (REF, 2021).
Supervisors
Primary supervisor:Â Professor Vadim V. Silberschmidt
Entry requirements
Our entry requirements are listed using standard UK undergraduate degree classifications i.e. first-class honours, upper second-class honours and lower second-class honours. To learn the equivalent for your country, please choose it from the drop-down below.
Entry requirements for United Kingdom
Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering, Continuum Mechanics, Computer Science, Materials Science, Physics or a related subject. A relevant Master’s degree and/or experience in one or more of the following will be an advantage: Mechanical Engineering, Continuum Mechanics, Computer Science, Materials Science, Biomedical Engineering
English language requirements
Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees for 2024-25 entry
UK fee
£4,786 Full-time degree per annum
International fee
£27,500 Full-time degree per annum
Fees for the 2024-25 academic year apply to projects starting in October 2024, January 2025, April 2025 and July 2025.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, IT equipment and other support services. University fees and charges can be paid in advance and there are several methods of payment, including online payments and payment by instalment. Fees are reviewed annually and are likely to increase to take into account inflationary pressures.
There is no funding aligned to this project. This project is self-funded so applicants will be required to cover the cost of tuition fees and their own living expenses or have an external sponsor.
Please see our research degree funding page for ways to fund your research degree.
How to apply
All applications should be made online. Under programme name, select ‘Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering/ Electronic, Electrical and Systems Engineering’. Please quote reference number: UF-VS-2024-2 in your application.
To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit your CV and the minimum supporting documents. .
The following selection criteria will be used by academic schools to help them make a decision on your application.
