Fully Funded DPhil Studentship: Foundation Optimization Using Finite Element Limit Analysis

The Civil Engineering Research Group (www.eng.ox.ac.uk/civil) is offering a DPhil studentship sponsored by Subsea 7 (www.subsea7.com) on the topic of “Foundation optimization using finite element limit analysis”. The project will investigate a range of 2D and 3D foundation design problems of specific interest to Subsea 7, with a focus on the assessment of ultimate bearing capacity under combined loading (vertical, horizontal, moment, torsional). It will involve detailed benchmarking and optimization of Subsea 7 designs using the research group’s own software for finite element limit analysis (OxLim), as well as commercial finite element codes (e.g. Abaqus) and analytical solutions. The work will be supervised by Dr Chris Martin, in close collaboration with Subsea 7’s geotechnical engineering team.

The studentship is fully funded for 3.5 years at home/EU fees level (overseas applicants would need substantial supplementary funding) and is available with a start date of 1 October 2013. The studentship includes a tax-free stipend of at least £16,000 per year, as well as funding for computing equipment and travel to progress meetings and conferences. There will also be opportunities for paid work placements at Subsea 7’s offices in Aberdeen, Stavanger and Paris.

Essential criteria for applicants are an excellent academic record (including a first-class or upper second-class honours degree in engineering, physics, mathematics or computer science), the ability to undertake scientific programming in one or more languages (e.g. C/C++, Fortran, Matlab, Python), and good communication skills (writing, speaking and presenting in English). Desirable criteria are knowledge and/or experience of geotechnical engineering, finite element analysis and graphical user interface (GUI) programming. Applicants are also expected to meet the standard postgraduate admissions criteria available at www.eng.ox.ac.uk/admissions/postgraduate/admissionscriteria.pdf.

Applicants should send the following documents to [Email Address Removed]:
• a detailed CV;
• a covering letter explaining why you are interested in the studentship, and describing how you meet the selection criteria.
To comply with University regulations, a full postgraduate application (including references) must also be made at the same time as applying for this studentship. Further details are available at www.admin.ox.ac.uk/postgraduate/apply.

Please quote reference SUBSEA7 in all correspondence with the Department, and in your postgraduate application.
Informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr Chris Martin ([Email Address Removed]). Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.

Closing date for applications: Friday 18 January 2013 (interviews in early February 2013)