PhD Supervisor: Dr Filipe Teixeira-Dias

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:

Reinforced concrete structural elements are fundamental in the design of protective infrastructures that can be used, for example, in military defence scenarios. Consequently, the ability of such structures to protect against blast-waves originated from near-field and contact explosions is of major relevance when designing infrastructures that require high levels of protection. Within the scope of this work proposal, the PhD candidate will have to develop a detailed model of the (high strain rate) dynamic behaviour of reinforced concrete. This model will predict the actual shock-wave propagation and interaction mechanisms that will occur within the concrete, the spalling phenomena, the failure and damage mechanisms and the effect of the steel reinforcement. In order to better model spalling and the inclusion of the steel reinforcement, the numerical modelling may be performed using a smooth particle

hydrodynamics (SPH) approach. Developed and implemented models will be validated with experimental results that are already available and with further blast tests that may be done to better improve and understand the proposed models.

Research will be conducted in the Institute for Infrastructure and Environment, with close interaction and collaboration with the Royal Military Academy (Belgium). 

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.

Applicants must possess a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Physics or a related discipline. 
Experience in computational mechanics, numerical simulation (finite element analysis or related) and/or structural dynamics would be helpful. 

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: EngGradOffice@ed.ac.uk

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