Performance aspects in the development of the smart prosthetic lower limb - Ref: SL2UF2018

Restoration of human functional activity has been a drive for many centuries dating back to early Egyptian and Greek civilizations. These interventions would often take the form of a prosthesis or an assistive device made from various materials depending upon the body part. Emerging technologies in the last two decades have enabled a new paradigm of manufacturing in this area, using biomimetic and light-weight materials; structural-optimization techniques; additive manufacturing and active robotic controls.

Building upon the existing success of the group on prosthetic mechanics of lower-extremity, the proposed project invites a suitable candidate to join the multi-disciplinary, dynamic research team to work on the “smart prosthetic” project. The candidate will focus on loading and performance aspects in the development of “smart prosthetic lower limb”. These aspects will be addressed by implementing experimental studies and developing numerical simulation tools to get an in-depth knowledge of mechanical behaviour of biological and artificial components of a smart prosthesis and to investigate deformation and fracture mechanisms under various usability regimes. Another important aspect will be analysis of stress and strain distributions in critical elements of the system. This project is part of a larger multi-disciplinary project being pursued by academics from several Schools under the University’s strategic theme “Health & Wellbeing”. The project aims to create a step change in prosthetic rehabilitation and will appeal to students interested in studying structural integrity of challenging multi-material mechanical structures with emphasis on design of medical devices and their integration with biological systems.

For further project details email Dr Simin Li ([Email Address Removed]) or register your interest and ask us a question.

Entry requirements
Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in Engineering, Physics, Mathematical Sciences or a related subject.

A relevant Master’s degree and/or experience in one or more of the following will be an advantage: Mechanical Engineering, Continuum Mechanics, Computer Science, Materials Science, Biomedical Engineering and Computational Biology.

How to apply
All applications should be made online. Under programme name select Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering. Please quote reference number: SL2UF2018