A new approach to fatigue analysis: developing new models for predicting the fatigue life of high-value offshore and aerospace structures

Dr Cross, a senior lecturer in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Sheffield has recently been awarded a prestigious fellowship from the EPSRC to develop new models for predicting the fatigue life of high-value offshore and aerospace structures. The approach will combine the latest developments in artificial intelligence with more traditional methods that exploit understanding of the physics at work.

An important aspect of the work will focus on structural nonlinearity. On a number of structural monitoring system (SMS) projects, complex nonlinear behaviour of offshore structures has been observed. Characterisation of the nonlinearity may provide critical diagnostic and prognostic information. At present the structures can only be analysed by use of tools with assumptions of linear and stationary structural behaviour. Determination of the dynamic characteristics for a structure exhibiting nonlinear behaviour by assuming linearity and stationarity may lead to very misleading results. As a consequent fatigue analyses based on an updated FE model using linear methods to determine dynamic characteristics is very uncertain and the impact of this needs to be assessed and quantified if possible.

This project will work towards establishing a radically new fatigue theory that will account for structural nonlinearity. There will some experimental aspects to this project where the successful candidate will benefit from working in our new and state of the art facility, the Laboratory for Verification and Validation (see lvv.ac.uk).

• Please note, this position is only open to UK and EU citizens with 3 or more years residency

• This studentship covers the cost of tuition fees and provides an annual tax-free stipend at the standard UK research rate (£14,777 in 2018/19), with the possibility that this amount may be topped up.

• For further information about this project please contact Dr Elizabeth Cross ([Email Address Removed])