A Thermo-Hygro-Chemo-Mechanical approach for simulating healing, damage and discrete fracture in plain and fibre-reinforced cementitious composites

BACKGROUND

Cracking of solids is a huge problem that presents computational researchers with a plethora of challenges. One of the most interesting and complex problems within this research domain is the accurate prediction of cracking and healing in porous cementitious solids that result from the coupled chemical reactions, environmental changes and the mechanical loading that occur in the early life of the solid.

The project aims to develop a unique modelling capability that simulates the physio-chemical processes that govern such behaviour.

We have developed some exciting new ideas on how to bring together Eshelbian micro-mechanics, a new damage-healing model for plain and fibre reinforced materials, a new type of finite element that simulates macro cracking, a reactive chemical transport model and a thermo-hygro flow model to create an accurate and fully coupled numerical model for simulating these processes.

BENEFITS

The work will be academically challenging and highly rewarding. You will be helped to gain the required expertise in the physical and chemical mechanisms that drive the processes and in a set of computational modelling tools that will be employed in the simulations.

The work will lead to high quality research publications in academically rigorous journals. It will also have high industrial impact via close collaboration with a commercial finite element company.

ELIGIBILITY

You should have obtained, or be about to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class UK Honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK.

Applicants with a Lower Second Class degree will be considered if they also have a master’s degree. Applicants with a minimum Upper Second Class degree and significant relevant non-academic experience are encouraged to apply.