Composite structures undergo dynamic loading during operation, such as a bird strike on a turbine blade, or the body of a car during a crash, so it is critical to understand and predict their response under these types of loading. Some materials are strain rate insensitive, but it has been shown that polymer composites exhibit rate dependence, i.e. the stiffness and strength of the composite are influenced by the rate of loading. Therefore, the mechanical properties of the material must be studied at different strain rates. Recent developments in high-speed imaging have opened new avenues for developing alternative high strain-rate testing techniques. For instance, a new technique for stiffness identification at high strain-rates that uses full-field imaging is the image-based inertial release (IBIR) test. The test setup uses a standard test device where the inertial loading is provided by the release wave produced when a notched sample breaks under a tensile load. The proposed PhD will comprise an experimental and computational investigation of a range of novel tests for high-rate characterisation of fibre reinforced composites. A key part of the novelty will be developing and integrating high-speed infrared thermography and white light imaging. This will allow the temperature evolutions that occur during the high-rate event to be combined with strain and displacement measurements to fully characterise the material behaviour.
This project is challenging and ambitious and is intended to gain more understanding of the mechanical behaviour of composites in extreme conditions. We are looking for a talented, enthusiastic researcher to join our diverse team. The successful candidate will be based at Bristol Composites Institute, a world-leading research centre of the University of Bristol. The supervisory team offers the skills and expertise required to support the PhD project: Prof. Barton is an internationally leading expert in experimental mechanics and composites testing; Dr Ramakrishnan has experience in the manufacturing and mechanical characterisation of fibre reinforced composites especially in high strain rate testing and impact loading. All the resources and expertise in terms of material preparation, mechanical testing, thermography, digital image correlation analysis and modelling are available in-house in the BCI.
Candidate Requirements
Applicants must hold/achieve a minimum of a 2:1 MEng, MPhys or an MSc (or international equivalent) in a physics or engineering discipline with a preference for mechanics.
If English is not your first language, you need to meet this profile level:
Profile E
Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.
Basic skills and knowledge required
The project is experimental it will involve design, manufacture, and testing of composite components. Knowledge of mechanics, thermodynamics especially heat transfer is required. Experience in the basic mechanics of composite materials e.g. classical laminate theory is essential. Experience of using tools such as MATLAB, Python and FEA is highly desirable. During the project these skills will be developed and enhanced. The project will develop new expertise in mechanical testing, imaging, and modelling.
Informal enquiries
For questions about the research topic, please contact Prof Janice Barton ([Email Address Removed]) or Dr Karthik Ramakrishnan ([Email Address Removed])
For general enquiries, please email [Email Address Removed]
Application Details
To apply for this studentship, submit a PhD application using our online application system [www.bristol.ac.uk/pg-howtoapply]
Please ensure that in the Funding section you tick “I would like to be considered for a funding award from the Mechanical Engineering Department” and specify the title of the scholarship in the “other” box below with the name of the supervisor.
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