Job Description
Project details
In the last decades, Mechanics of Materials as a discipline has experienced a type of revival. The main reason for this has been a continuing introduction of new materials (or even their classes) with extraordinary microstructures, properties and performance. Carbon nanotubes, quantum dots, bulk metallic glasses and graphene are some of the examples. This revival process was additionally enhanced by an application-related drive to expose these—as well as previously known and used— materials to harsher conditions: high strains, strain rates, loads and temperatures as well as combinations of various loading and environmental factors. Recent developments in aerospace, energy, automotive and defence industries as well as in microelectronics were possible thanks to extended usability envelopes for various components and structures.
Analysis of deformation processes, damage evolution as well as failure initiation and development allows us to predict the properties, performance, reliability and structural integrity of modern materials and the components and structures made from them. Projects in this broad area are welcome. Among the materials we are currently working with are composites and nanocomposites, polymers and adhesives, steels and alloys, metallic glasses, biological and biomedical materials, hydrogels, materials for microelectronics, sports materials, ceramics and ceramic coatings, polymeric foams and non-woven fabrics.
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 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.
