PhD Studentship in Engineering - Design methodologies and performance assessment of Additively Manufactured lattice structures via high strength reinforced thermoplastic acrylic pastes

Number of awards:
1

Start date and duration:
1 October 2019 for 3 years.

Overview:
This studentship will focus on the development of design rules and topological optimization of latticed constructs to be constructed via Additive Manufacturing of novel paste materials. The studentship is sponsored by ERDF funds and by ORE, a Catapult centre dedicated to offshore renewable energy technology development.

The project will endeavour to improve the optimisation of lattice structures against a range of target criterion, such as mass, compressive and shear strength and stiffnesses related to a custom Additive Manufacturing process for novel paste adhesives. Besides developing hands-on experience while working with AM equipment and materials, the successful applicant will investigate a range of topology optimization strategies to generate automatic shapes that fulfil pre-developed design rules for large size reinforcement structures. This will include the use of evolutionary algorithms for goal-based optimization (mass, strength, build time, etc.) as well as the creation if lightweight scaffold structures via generative design (both via commercial software and custom-coded).

As a secondary aim, the analysis will seek to address the implications of layer-by-layer processing for large structures. This will be undertaken by a materials printing rig to be further developed onsite.

The project will involve working collaboratively within the University and with ORE- Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult.

Sponsor:
ORE Catapult Development Services Ltd. (https://ore.catapult.org.uk/)

Name of supervisor(s)
Dr Javier Munguia (https://bit.ly/32nxU7d) (Newcastle University - https://bit.ly/2XLhx0T), Dr Peter Greaves (https://ore.catapult.org.uk/people/peter-greaves/) (ORE Catapult).

Eligibility Criteria:
Applications are sought from candidates with a minimum of an upper-second-class Honours degree or an MSc in mechanical engineering, design, manufacturing and materials science, mechatronics engineering, or a related subject. Good analytical, experimental, project management and communication skills are required.

The studentship is available to UK/EU applicants only. Depending on how you meet the EPSRC’s eligibility criteria, you may be entitled to a full or a partial award.

How to apply:
You must apply through the University’s online postgraduate application system. To do this please ‘Create a new account’ (https://bit.ly/2JDj1VJ).

All relevant fields should be completed, but fields marked with a red asterisk in the application portal must to be completed. The following information will help us to process your application. You will need to:

insert the programme code 8090F in the programme of study section
select ‘PhD in Mechanical Engineering’ as the programme of study
insert the studentship code ENG052 in the studentship/partnership reference field
attach a covering letter and CV. The covering letter must state the title of the studentship, quote reference code ENG052 and state how your interests and experience relate to the project
attach degree transcripts and certificates and, if English is not your first language, a copy of your English language qualifications.