Phase Field Computational Methods for Fracture Problems in Engineering

Phase-field is a new exciting numerical technique that permits computationally cheap and effective simulation of challenging fracture problems, e.g. branching, migrating cracks from the interface. Phase-field is proving to be a revolutionary way to assess integrity of anisotropic materials and complex structures as never before. In this PhD you will contribute to the Phase-field research and growing knowledge by: (1) using already developed codes to assess pros and cons of Phase-field in interesting benchmark problems. The subroutines -already tested for Abaqus- will be an excellent starting point for your PhD to quickly understand the Phase-field method and growing knowledge. (2) applying it to aerospace structures of interest to provide original results.

Requirements: 1st or 2:1 degree in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or other Relevant Discipline.

For further information please contact Dr Jose Curiel-Sosa (j.curiel-sosa@sheffield.ac.uk)