Analysis of the impact and mitigation of secondary stresses on the safety of engineering systems with TWI Ltd

TWI is the world’s foremost research and technology organisation for welding and joining. Operating globally, its experts perform innovative, quality-controlled, impartial projects for industry.

The successful EngD Research Engineer will work on a project of relevance to the safety of engineering systems, analysing the impact of secondary stresses and investigating means for their mitigation.

In assessing whether an engineering component is fit-for-purpose, it is essential that we have knowledge of its state of stress. Traditionally, stresses are classified as primary and secondary. Primary stresses result from external loads, while secondary stresses result from thermal gradients and misfit strains. Misfit strains in turn lead to the formation of residual stresses. Unfortunately, there are many cases where the secondary stresses are either unknown or there is limited knowledge. This uncertainty leads to introducing normally well-founded assumptions about the magnitudes of secondary stresses when assessing safety.

The aim of this EngD research project will be to develop and apply underpinning systems research tools that will enhance our understanding of the impact of secondary stresses on engineering safety. With improved understanding, the research will then investigate routes for their mitigation.

The Systems EngD is a full-time four-year postgraduate research programme. Research at the Industrial Doctorate Centre in Systems is devoted to Systems, focusing on creating and managing Systems for enhanced performance, and encompasses projects from a broad range of disciplines. The EngD researcher will spend about 75% of his/her time based at TWI in Great Abington near Cambridge, and the remaining time at the Centre on taught courses, covering Systems and business-related topics, and participating in research conferences, seminars and other research/academic activities. This EngD offers the experience of rigorous, leading-edge research within a business context.

Full description http://www.bristol.ac.uk/eng-systems-centre/idc/vacancies/twi.html

Candidates should have a minimum of an Upper Second (2:1) class honours degree (or equivalent), in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Physics, Metallurgy, Materials or a discipline relevant to the research project, and should be able to demonstrate leadership potential. Candidates without a recognised degree may be acceptable if they can demonstrate significant, relevant industrial experience.