PhD Studentship: Modelling and Simulation of Mechanical Folding and Thermoelectric Conductivity of Plastic Electronics for Soft Robotics

This project will aim at developing a novel continuum simulation method for thin and foldable plastic electronics sheets. For practical applications, the materials need to be lightweight, highly flexible and stretchable. Adding functionalities, such as thermal and electrical conductivities, may require the material to contain sharp inclusions.
In some cases, the sheet needs to bend in an extreme way so that it can fold or crease. Traditional simulation techniques like Finite Element Method are not suitable to simulate creasing. The PhD student will develop a meshfree software for materials containing simultaneously sharp inclusions, creases and cracks. Such software will then be used to design and optimise flexible sensors and materials for soft robotics. The project is a collaboration between Dr Ettore Barbieri (Modelling and Simulation), Dr Emiliano Bilotti (Smart Polymers and Sensors) and Prof Kaspar Althoefer (Soft Robotics).

QMUL Research Studentship Details
• Available to Home/EU & International Applicants.
• Full Time programme only
• Applicant required to start in September/October 2017
• The studentship arrangement will cover tuition fees and provide an annual stipend for up to three years (Currently set as £16,296 in 2016/17).
• The minimum requirement for this studentship opportunity is a good Honours degree (minimum 2(i) honours or equivalent) or MSc/MRes in a relevant discipline.
• If English is not your first language then you will require a valid English certificate equivalent to IELTS 6.5+ overall with a minimum score of 6 in writing and 5.5 in all sections (Reading, Listening and Speaking).
• International applicants should refer to the following website at http://www.qmul.ac.uk/international/index.html

Supervisor Contact Details:
For informal enquiries about this position, please contact Dr Ettore Barbieri
Tel: 020 7882 7748
E-mail: [Email Address Removed]

Application Method:
To apply for this studentship and for entry on to the Aerospace Engineering programme (Full Time, Semester 1 start) please follow the instructions detailed in section 3 of the following webpage:
http://www.qmul.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/subjects/engineering/index.html

Further Guidance available via: http://www.qmul.ac.uk/postgraduate/applyresearchdegrees/index.html

Please be sure to include a reference to ‘2016 SEMS QMRS EBARB’ to associate your application with this studentship opportunity.

Deadline for applications: 31st January 2017