Project Overview:

Vehicle manufacturers are seeking to reduce emissions, meeting both legislative targets and satisfying customer requirements for improved fuel efficiency. One solution is to reduce body weight through the use of advanced carbon-fibre reinforced polymer matrix composites. Significant work is currently under way to understand composite performance and manufacturing considerations,  but there is a need to understand performance over the wide range of conditions experienced by a vehicle. This project, sponsored by JLR, will develop high strain rate testing procedures for structural automotive composites. The goal is to develop robust test methods and computationally simulate performance, thus iteratively improving predictive techniques. The project will be based at the University of Warwick campus and will involve collaborative activity with both WMG and JLR engineers. The successful student will be expected to contribute to both the development of physical testing procedures and to computational simulation.

Awards available: 1 award available.

Funding Details: Fees and maintenance at RCUK Level

Length of Award:  3.5 years (PhD)

Eligibility: Due to funding requirements the applicant should be eligible as a UK/EU student

Application Details:

Any enquiries relating to the application process should be directed to Jennifer Kirkwood at engd@warwick.ac.uk. 

For further information, please visit: http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/wmg/education/researchdegrees

Deadline:  30 September 2013