PhD Opportunity: Micromechanical motivation and numerical implementation of plasticity in generalised continuum models



PhD Supervisor: Dr Stefanos Papanicolopulos

Application Deadline: Open until position filled

Funding Availability: Open to UK/EU/Overseas applicants. Studentships will cover University fees (at UK/EU or overseas rate), plus a stipend for 3.5 years at the enhanced EPSRC rate (£14,640 for 2013/14). 

Research Area: Infrastructure and the Environment

Project description:

The classical modelling framework of continuum mechanics gives great flexibility in the formulation of specific constitutive models describing a wide variety of material behaviours. Some general properties shared by all classical continua, however, render them unable to model specific phenomena, such as size effect or strain localisation. To model such phenomena, it is necessary to relax some restrictions of the classical continuum, thus obtaining generalised continua. 

This PhD project focuses on computational modelling of plastic behaviour of materials within the framework of generalised continuum mechanics. A detailed study of the micromechanical motivation underlying such models will help clarify the relation between the discrete and the continuum behaviour at the level of the material microstructure. This will enable the development of realistic and robust, but also computationally efficient, numerical implementations which in turn will allow modelling practical engineering problems involving plastic behaviour and localisation of deformation, e.g. failure of geomaterials or elastoplastic indentation. 

Eligibility and qualifications:

Applicants must be of outstanding academic merit: a first class or upper second class honours undergraduate degree (or International equivalent) is the minimum qualification requirement.

Also Read  Funded Studentship

We are seeking a motivated candidate with a good background in scientific computing and continuum mechanics and a degree in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline. 

Please apply through the Apply link below

Select the Research Area referred to in the advert and clearly state on your application form which project you are applying for and the relevant supervisor.

Informal Enquiries to: S.Papanicolopulos@ed.ac.uk

Further information: www.eng.ed.ac.uk/drupal/IIE/home

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