Dr Ali Hadigheh
Applications accepted all year round
Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
About the Project
By 2025, fibre composites will be a key waste stream worldwide. Current recycling methods are inept as they cause major reduction in mechanical and physical properties of recovered fibre. This project aims to produce high grade, low cost structural component from carbon fibre composite recyclates, and revolutionise their use in construction by carrying out an integrated experimental and advanced computational analyses. Outcomes include development of a novel method for recovery and realignment of fibres without compromising mechanical and physical properties. This provides significant benefits by expanding fundamental knowledge of material science and advanced manufacturing, solving problem on waste and efficient use of natural resources.
The project will be based within Smart Materials and Sustainable Structures (SMS2) group at the School of Civil Engineering. The School presents a broad research profile with significant impact both nationally and internationally. The School is home to some high-profile academics and is particularly strong in structural engineering, composite and materials science, which is at the core of this project. This project is part of a funding from Australian Research council (ARC) Discovery Early Career Researcher Award (DECRA). The School is 14 in the world and top 2 in Australia based on QS ranking 2020.
Smart Material & Sustainable Structures (SMS2) research group aims to advance our understanding of how new, resilient and sustainable engineering materials function in structural applications. Our research expertise is in structural applications and health monitoring of advanced composite materials, concrete and timber structures. Researchers of SMS2 lab investigate the intricate behaviour of interface in composite systems and how they interact at multiple scales from macro- to nano-levels via experimental and advanced numerical modelling.
During this project, PhD student will have access to the world-class structural and material engineering labs from the School of Civil Engineering including SMS2 lab. In addition, PhD student will have access to state-of-the-art characterisation instrumentation via the Australian Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis (ACMM) and High- Performance Computing facility (Artemis) at the University of Sydney. The ACMM is a research centre at Sydney Microscopy & Microanalysis (SMM) that provides a wide range of generic and specialised laboratories to support breakthrough nanoscience technology development. The SMM is a core facility of the University, one of the largest and most comprehensive of its kind in the world.
Submission documents checklist
Expression of interests shall comprise:
• A cover letter that includes a brief statement of the applicant’s suitability;
• A brief research proposal not exceeding 1000 words in length;
• A curriculum vitae, including a list of qualifications (with overall mark), any published works, conference presentations, relevant work experience, and contact details of two academic referees;
• A full statement of academic record, supported by scanned copies of relevant certified documentation; and
• A PDF document, including all published works (journal/conference papers and research theses)
The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.
Funding Notes
Location: Darlington Campus, Sydney
Employment type: Full-time for 3 years (possible extra 6 months extension)
Remuneration: $35,000 tax-free
The successful applicant will have an outstanding academic track record in manufacturing of fibre reinforced polymer composites, material characterisation, mechanical testing and finite element modelling of composites made of short synthetic fibres.
Applicants will be considered if they meet the criteria for PhD admission at University of Sydney. In its assessment, the Committee will prioritise applicants who hold an Australian or New Zealand bachelor's degree with first-class honours or qualifications (including international) and/or research experience deemed equivalent by the University.
References
https://www.sydney.edu.au/engineering/about/our-people/academic-staff/ali-hadigheh.html
https://www.sydney.edu.au/research/opportunities/supervisors/1833