Fatigue life assessment methods under fully-reversed cyclic loading (R ratio=-1) and their application in aerospace composite structures

Fatigue life assessment methods under fully-reversed cyclic loading (R ratio=-1) and their application in aerospace composite structures - Studentship opportunities | UWE Bristol

For the aerospace industry, light-weight advanced composites are widely used to reduce CO2 emissions. Fatigue of composite structures is an important research topic and also a key area for aircraft certification. Fatigue experiments are time-consuming and expensive. The acceleration of aircraft development cycles creates the need for replacing physical fatigue testing with robust numerical modelling. This is because numerical modelling can help reduce costs associated with fatigue testing and shorten the design cycle. So far, most existing fatigue models for composite structures have been developed for tension-tension fatigue (R ratio>0). Little modelling work has been done for tension-compression or fully-reversed fatigue (R ratio = -1).

In this PhD project, the student will work with our industrial partner to address the below research questions:

1. How to characterise fatigue crack growth rate under fully-reversed fatigue loading (R ratio = -1)?
2. How to predict fully-reversed fatigue life (R ratio = -1) of composite structures using cohesive interface elements?
3. How to use Artificial Neural Network (ANN) to predict fatigue crack growth rates at different R ratios?

It is expected that the student will have excellent numerical skills with a background understanding in one or more of the following:

1. Finite element analysis using Abaqus, LS-DYNA or similar
2. Computer programming using Matlab, Python or similar
3. Composite mechanics

The desirable skills also include:

1. Composites manufacturing
2. Working experience in industry
3. Fatigue testing

For an informal discussion about the studentship, please email Dr Xiaodong Xu ([Email Address Removed]).

How to apply

Please submit your application online. When prompted use the reference number 2022-JAN-FET05.

Supporting documentation: you will need to upload your research proposal, all your degree certificates and transcripts and your proof of English language proficiency as attachments to your application so please have these available when you complete the application form.

Eligibility

Applicants must have a good first degree and ideally will have Masters. Students from under-represented groups are particularly encouraged to apply. The studentship is available both for UK and overseas applicants.

A recognised English language qualification is required.

Applicants have the opportunity to discuss their studentship with Directors of Studies via a Webinar to take place on Wednesday 8^th September 2021 from 10am to 12noon. Please contact [Email Address Removed] to reserve your place at this webinar.