Short and long-term structural behaviour of metal 3D printed structures

Overview:
Applications are invited for a PhD scholarship investigating the short and long-term structural behaviour of metal 3D printed (additive manufactured) structures. The PhD will be based in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Imperial College London. This PhD project offers a wide range of training and development opportunities in a highly stimulating environment, as well as access to internationally leading academics and industrial partners, research facilities and networks.

Project details:
The first metal 3D printed structure (the MX3D Bridge) has an extensive structural health monitoring network installed and that will be running continuously during its service life. This project is focussed on utilising this data to gain insights into the use and behaviour of this novel structure. The data will be used to understand: i) how the structure is used, ii) how the structure behaves in the short-term and how this compares with numerical simulations and iii) how the long-term structural response changes during its service life. This work will also allow existing structural design standards to be evaluated and, if required, changes proposed.

Requirements:
• A good Upper Second or First Class Degree (or International equivalent) in engineering.
• A Masters level degree qualification.
• A good command of the English language, including report writing skills.
• A solid background in structural mechanics and an interest in structural health monitoring and metal 3D printing.
• Good knowledge and experience in programming (ideally Matlab and Python).

Funding:
The studentship will provide funding for 3 years including tuition fees and a tax-free stipend at the standard UKRI London rate, ~£17,285 for the 2020/21 academic year. Full funding is available to Home and EU students. The funding can also be used to partly support an international student.

Applications:
Applicants wishing to be considered for this opportunity should send the following application documents to Dr Craig Buchanan ([Email Address Removed]):

1. Current CV including details of their academic record
2. Covering letter making explaining their motivation and suitability (1 page maximum)
3. Contact details of two academic referees

Application via the Imperial College Registry is not necessary at this stage. Applications will be regularly reviewed until the position is filled. Please contact Dr Craig Buchanan for further details, informal discussions and information about the project.