Fully funded PhD studentship - Acoustic and Elastic Wave Modelling

A 3.5 year fully-funded PhD post is available to work on the physics and mathematics of ultrasonic waves supervised by Dr Art Gower (https://arturgower.github.io/).

Background: We have built a world primarily out of steel, concrete, and other hard solids. The aim of this fully funded PhD is to use mathematical models and code to design new ways to use ultrasonic / elastic waves to measure stress and defects in solids. New ways to measure stress are needed to help maintain our infrastructure, such as large wind turbines, railways, pipes, and bridges. Developing new sensors is part of Industry 4.0 which aims to develop smart structures which can diagnose themselves. 

As part of the team, your role would be to develop mathematical models and computational methods to understand how ultrasonic waves propagate in complex solids under tension. There will be plenty of opportunities for interaction with industrial partners and working alongside experimentalists as part of our world-class Leonardo Tribology Centre. 

Location: the University of Sheffield is part of the prestigious Russell Group universities, while the department of Mechanical Engineering ranks among the top in the UK, and has the largest research income in the UK. 

Nationality: The studentship is available for a student from the United Kingdom or from the European Union with 3 years residency in the UK.

Education: A good degree or Masters in Applied Mathematics, Physics, Mechanical, Aeronautical, Civil, or other engineering.

Desirable skills

• Mathematical modelling, Familiarity with wave propagation or Solid mechanics
• Numerical methods
• Good programming skills in any language

Other requirements

• Self-motivated and a passion for the subject
• Excellent communication skills

Deadline: 30th March 2022

Start: September 2022 

Apply: please send a letter expressing your interest, and a copy of your CV with the contacts of two academic referees as a single pdf file to: Artur Gower <[Email Address Removed]>. Please feel free to also email Artur informally before applying.