Optimal Design of Fibre Reinforced Composite Pipes and Umbilicals

These projects are open to students worldwide, but have no funding attached. Therefore, the successful applicant will be expected to fund tuition fees at the relevant level (home or international) and any applicable additional research costs. Please consider this before applying. 

Currently, the application of composite materials in oil and gas industry lacks proven test methodologies and understanding of technical and fundamental issues relevant specifically to composite materials and structures. Thus, the main academic challenge and key aspect to the success of the project is the transfer of composite materials knowledge (theoretical and numerical models very successfully used in the modern aerospace industry), into the demanding oil and gas sector. This extremely interesting and challenging project will deal with the assessment of composite pipes subjected to a combination of complex loading and harsh environmental conditions (such as high temperature, high pressure and exposure to corrosive fluids’, etc.). In order to move the technology forward it is necessary to have a detailed understanding of the pipes properties from manufacture and over its entire life cycle.

The overall aim of the project will be optimal design of thick- and thin-walled composite pipes. The developed numerical model should be able to predict the deformation and damage under tension, compression and bending, as found in service (during installation in oil wells).

Numerical modelling of the prototype performance will be carried out

• for different types of the matrix and the reinforcement used;
• for different fibre volume fractions;
• for different layouts of the reinforcement (unidirectional versus multidirectional, etc.);
• for combinations of laminas with different reinforcement directions.

Essential Background:

Decisions will be based on academic merit. The successful applicant should have, or expect to obtain, a UK Honours Degree at 2.1 (or equivalent) in Engineering, Materials or Applied Mathematics

Desirable knowledge:.

Fundamentals of Engineering Materials and Stress Analysis, Numerical Methods

The project is likely to involve a combination of analytical studies and computer modelling including FEM&BEM analysis and MatLab programming, so the appropriate computing skills would be quite beneficial but not compulsory. 

Application Procedure:

Formal applications can be completed online: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/pgap/login.php.

You should apply for Engineering (PhD) to ensure your application is passed to the correct team for processing.

Please clearly note the name of the lead supervisor and project title on the application form. If you do not include these details, it may not be considered for the studentship.

Your application must include: A personal statement, an up-to-date copy of your academic CV, and clear copies of your educational certificates and transcripts.

Please note: you DO NOT need to provide a research proposal with this application.

If you require any additional assistance in submitting your application or have any queries about the application process, please don't hesitate to contact us at pgrs-admissions@abdn.ac.uk