Optimal Design of Fibre Reinforced Composite Pipes

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

The successful candidate should have (or expect to achieve) a minimum of a UK Honours degree at 2.1 or above (or equivalent) in Engineering, Materials or Applied Mathematics.

Essential Background: Fundamentals of Engineering Materials and Stress Analysis Numerical Methods.

Knowledge: 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: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/postgraduate/apply. You should apply for Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering, to ensure that your application is passed to the correct person for processing.

NOTE CLEARLY THE NAME OF THE SUPERVISOR AND EXACT PROJECT TITLE YOU WISH TO BE CONSIDERED FOR ON THE APPLICATION FORM.

Informal inquiries can be made to Dr O Menshykov ([Email Address Removed]) with a copy of your curriculum vitae and cover letter. All general enquiries should be directed to the Postgraduate Research School ([Email Address Removed]).