About the Project
We seek an outstanding individual of any nationality to undertake PhD research at University College London through application to a UCL Overseas Research Scholarship and/or the UCL-China Scholarships Council Research Scholarships.
Description
The engineering of innovative lightweight materials is increasingly being guided by nature-inspired principles of using less material more efficiently. The objective of reducing material mass without compromising structural integrity poses new and unique sets of challenges; in particular, for applications in harsh environments and/or under extreme load cases. Micro-architectured lattices are an important class of materials often used in light-weighting applications. These materials can be manufactured as ordered trusses, such as those seen in bridges at a structural-scale, or with a less ordered structure, e.g. sponges, foams etc. Manufacturing of ordered microlattices has lately become increasingly widespread through the advent of additive manufacturing techniques. The focus of this project is to develop advanced lattice materials, or metamaterials, with high fracture toughness by design and optimisation in three length scales: microstructural (material properties), mesostructural (morphology of periodic structure), and macrostructural (component-scale). On the experimental side, it will involve the use of: (1) additive manufacturing techniques to fabricate lattices with controlled micro/mesostructured, and (2) materials and structural testing techniques. This work will be complemented by analytical modelling and numerical simulations (mainly, finite element method). The aim is to elucidate the interaction between damage mechanisms that occur at multiple length scales, and develop guides for fracture-resistance designs with this class of materials. This project will also benefit from strong links with manufacturing and advanced characterization research centers worldwide.
Person specification
A background in Mechanical/Structural/Materials Engineering, or an equivalent discipline with a high technical content, of any nationality. Aptitude for computational modelling work is essential. Applicants should be from a top-ranked university, and expected to graduate at the top of their cohort. A research record of accomplishment, demonstrated by publication(s), will greatly enhance the chances of success.
Closing Date and Start Date
All enquiries must be received by 15th Dec 2018. If successful, the start date of the PhD will be in Sept/Oct 2019.
Application Process
Applicants should write to Dr Eral Bele ([Email Address Removed]) and A/Prof PJ Tan ([Email Address Removed]) with a recent CV, area of interests and a full transcript of exam results. Individuals who have yet to graduate must list all the modules (and corresponding grades) for which the results are known. Qualified candidates will go through an interview, followed by a preliminary round of departmental pre-selection; and, if successful, will be entered for university-level competition for the scholarships.
Continue with Facebook
