The project:
What youâll be doing
Fibre reinforced composite materials have significant advantages over metals in many applications, including aero engine components, due to their relative low weight and resistance to corrosion. However their long term durability under in-service conditions requires further investigation, particularly in relation to their fatigue properties. You will be characterising fatigue delamination growth for aero engine applications and then developing a finite element modelling framework so that the data can be used to inform future designs of components.
You will use a range of experimental techniques such as fatigue and vibration testing and Scanning Electron Microscopy fractography. You will also develop new computational analysis methods, with access to a number of software platforms and the Universityâs high performance computing facilities.
You will work closely with project partner Rolls-Royce plc to help you understand the technical challenges and to enable the results of your research to make a real impact on the aerospace sector.
Weâre looking for an enthusiastic student with at least a 2:1 honours degree in Engineering, Mathematics, Physics or Materials who has a strong interest in composites, experimental testing and numerical modelling. To meet the eligibility requirements of the funding you will have had to be resident in the UK for three years preceding the date of application (which can include full time study for EU applicants).
What youâll get out of it
You will work alongside experts in the Advanced Composites Centre for Innovation and Science, receive extensive training in experimental and modelling techniques and have the opportunity to gain industrial experience.
Want to know more?
Contact Professor Stephen Hallett for more information about the project.
Candidate requirements:
Weâre looking for an enthusiastic student with at least a 2:1 honours degree in Engineering, Mathematics, Physics or Materials who has a strong interest in composites, experimental testing and numerical modelling. To meet the eligibility requirements of the funding you will have had to be resident in the UK for three years preceding the date of application (which can include full time study for EU applicants).
Funding:
You will receive a fully funded 3 year EPSRC studentship which covers both living expenses and tuition fees. In addition Rolls-Royce plc will provide an enhanced stipend.
How to apply:
Please make an online application for this project via the ‘Apply’ button below. Please select Aerospace Engineering (PhD) on the Programme Choice page and enter details of the studentship when prompted in the Funding and Research Details sections of the form.
Contacts: Professor Stephen Hallett: Stephen.hallett@bristol.ac.uk
Deadline for applications: 7th February 2014
The University of Bristol is committed to equality and we value the diversity of our staff and students.