Modelling thermoelectric generators (Peltier cells) embedded in cement units

Starting date: 1st November 2018

Duration: Three years

Enquiries to: [Email Address Removed] and [Email Address Removed]

Website: http://titus.phy.qub.ac.uk/opportunities

Applications are invited for a three-year PhD position in the School of Mathematics and Physics at Queen's University Belfast (QUB). A fully funded (fees and maintenance) studentship sponsored by the Department of Economy (DfE) of Northern Ireland is available for EU residents, only. Eligible candidates must demonstrate a first or upper second class honours degree from a university in the UK or an equivalent academic qualification, preferably in Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, or Mathematics, before 1st November 2018. Working knowledge of finite element modelling and python scripting is also desirable. Further details on the eligibility criteria (included nationality, residency, and academic qualification) can be found here: http://go.qub.ac.uk/dfeterms Potential candidates are strongly recommended to verify their eligibility before applying.

This research project is part of an US-Ireland partnership between the School of Mathematics and Physics at QUB, the Civil Engineering Department at the Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT), the Lyles School of Civil Engineering, Purdue University (PU), and the Sam Fox School of Design and Visual Arts, Washington University in St. Louis (WUSL). The successful candidate will be travelling and have placement periods at DIT, PU, and WUSL.

The successful candidate will model thermoelectric generators (Peltier cells) embedded in cement units. The modelling will be done in close collaboration with the experimental partners at DIT and PU. A finite element model of the the macroscopic heat and electric transport properties will be formulated and informed by atomistic calculations, also performed at QUB. The model is expected to help design thermoelectric cement brick prototype at DIT and their full scale testing at PU and WUSTL. Further details on the postgraduate research project can be found here: http://titus.phy.qub.ac.uk/opportunities

Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) is ranked in the world’s top 200 universities according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject (2019). QUB is member of the Russell group of 24 UK research-intensive universities and it engages in partnership with businesses such as Petronas, Seagate and Bombardier. QUB is one of the few UK Universities to hold an Athena SWAN institutional Silver award, introduced to advance the representation of women in Science and to address gender inequalities and career advance of female academics.

QUB provides a dedicated social and academic space for postgraduate students, the Graduate School, Ranked 1st out of 159 international universities. QUB has invested over £50m in the new McClay Library, blending the best features of a traditional library with the latest technology, and there are currently 3,484 places in our student accommodation. A £20 million investment in sport also makes QUB one of the premier sport universities in Ireland and the UK. For more information, visithttp://www.qub.ac.uk/about/Campus-and-facilities/

Applications must be submitted before the deadline through the online portal: http://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/PostgraduateStudy/How-to-apply/Apply-online/ Short-listed candidates will be contacted shortly after the deadline. For further information and queries, please email Dr L. Stella [Email Address Removed] or Dr P. Chudzinki [Email Address Removed]