PhD studentship in Development of Simulation Models for Additive Manufacturing of Polymers

Applications are invited for a fully funded PhD studentship tenable in the Faculty of Computing and Engineering at Ulster University based at the Jordanstown campus. The PhD studentship is funded as part of the EU INTERREG North West Centre for Advanced Manufacturing.

Project Background: North West Centre for Advanced Manufacturing
A project supported by the EU’s PEACE IV/ INTERREG VA programme, managed by the Special EU programmes body (SEUPB). This project aims to create an Advanced Manufacturing super cluster combining the collective and complementary strengths of the Engineering Research Institute at Ulster University; the James Watt Nanofabrication Centre at Glasgow University; the PEM Centre at Sligo Institute of Technology; and CoLab at Letterkenny Institute of Technology. The project bid was co-ordinated by Catalyst Inc. This project includes themes on sustainable manufacturing of advanced polymers, additive manufacturing, and manufacturing technology for nanoscience applications. The project will enable regional Health & Life Sciences companies, predominately based in the North West, to develop new products and processes; thereby, strengthening the Regional economy.

Rationale:
Additive manufacturing, also referred to as 3D printing, is a term used to cover a range of processes for the manufacture of three-dimensional components. Additive Manufacturing technologies build three-dimensional components by adding successive layers of feedstock material that fuse together to create consolidated components. Materials for Additive Manufacture include polymers, metals and ceramics.

The resulting 3D components may possess intricate geometrical features that are otherwise impossible to achieve using traditional manufacturing. In addition, Additive Manufacture processes are typically more sustainable than traditional manufacturing processes because they are less wasteful of both energy and material. There are fewer dedicated tooling requirements for Additive Manufacture; hence, recurring tooling costs are negligible. Additive Manufacture processes are controlled by computer; therefore, parts are conveniently produced directly from 3D computer models or other electronic data sources. With the uptake of AM technology, supply chain logistics can be decentralised thereby allowing local manufacturers to supply low-volume batches of highly engineered components for a wide variety of applications.

Project Development of Simulation Models for Additive Manufacturing of Polymers

To work on the development of finite element analysis models to simulate the additive manufacturing of polymer materials. These simulations will be used for process and part optimisation. The development of tests to experimentally simulate material behaviour during processing will also form part of the research. The research will be conducted in the School of Engineering at the Jordanstown Campus and also in NIACE, The Northern Ireland Advanced Composites and Engineering Centre (NIACE).

Studentship Details and Entrance Requirements:

The studentship comprises of full fees (this includes international fees if appropriate) and an annual stipend of £14,553. Studentships will be awarded on a full-time basis for a three-year period, subject to satisfactory progress being made towards the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.

Applications will be considered on a competitive basis with regard to the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and interests. Candidates should hold, or expect to hold, a first class or upper second-class honours degree (as a minimum) in a relevant Engineering or Materials Science discipline. The admission process and programme of study will proceed according to Ulster University regulations and requirements.

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 11 December 2017. Interviews will be held in January 2018. Project registration and planned starting date is expected to be January/February 2018.

This post is fully externally funded and supported by the EU’s PEACE IV/ INTERREG VA programme, managed by the Special EU programmes body (SEUPB).

Procedure:

For more information on applying go ulster.ac.uk/research on our website.