PhD Position: Modelling of Hydraulic Fracturing
Description
The Albertini Lab at the University of Nottingham has an opening for a PhD student (home or international) in modelling hydraulic fracturing. The position is fully funded on a competitive basis with a starting date 2023/2024.
This position is part of a joint project between the Geo-Energy Research Centre and the Composites Research Group and focuses on understanding the propagation of fracture due to applied fluid pressure. This PhD position will focus on the modelling of the fluid fracture interaction. The objective is to develop a coupled numerical model of dynamic fracture propagation in three dimension that accounts for the complex fluid-fracture interaction. This model will provide fundamental understanding on how fracture initiates, propagates, and arrests. The numerical results will be compared to experimental data from our collaborators at Harvard University and used to uncover the fundamental mechanisms governing hydraulic fracture.
Eligibility
The Albertini Laboratory is looking for someone with the following qualities:
- You hold a Master degree in mechanical, civil or structural engineering, material science, physics or a related discipline and have a background in solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, applied mathematics, computational science or a related field.
- Prior programming experience and are fluent in English (oral and written).
- You show enthusiasm for conducting original research in an interdisciplinary and international team, and you strive for scientific excellence.
Application Documents
Your application to this offer must contain the following:
- CV
- an academic transcript
- copy of your master thesis
- a brief statement describing your project idea relevant to the job description, making a connection to your experience in this area and the related work from the literature.
- the names and contact details of two references.
How to Apply
Please send full application documents directly to Gabriele.Albertini@nottingham.ac.uk
Deadline: July 5, 2023
PhD Position: Numerical Modelling of Rubber Friction
Description
The Albertini Lab at the University of Nottingham has an opening for a PhD student (home or international) in numerical modelling of rubber friction. The position is fully funded on a competitive basis with starting date 2023/2024. This position is part of a joint project between the Nottingham Transportation Engineering Centre and the Composites Research Group and focuses on understanding how a soft body slides again rigid one. Friction is what keeps your coffee mug in your hand as well as your car on the road. However, when considering friction between rigid and solid bodies (such as tyre road contact) there are many questions that remain to be answered. This PhD position will focus on analysis of experimental data and development of numerical modelling of frictional sliding between soft and rigid materials. The objective is to develop numerical models for friction of soft materials. This model will provide fundamental understanding on how frictional instabilities initiates and will shed light on experimental data from our collaborators at Harvard University.
Eligibility
The Albertini Laboratory is looking for someone with the following qualities:
- You hold a Master degree in mechanical, civil or structural engineering, material science, physics or a related discipline and have a background in solid mechanics, applied mathematics, computational science or a related field.
- Additionally, you have prior programming experience and are fluent in English (oral and written)
- You show enthusiasm for conducting original research in an interdisciplinary and international team, and you strive for scientific excellence
Application Documents
Your application to this offer must contain the following:
- a CV.
- an academic transcript.
- copy of your master thesis.
- a brief statement describing your project idea relevant to the job description, making a connection to your experience in this area and the related work from the literature.
- the names and contact details of two references.
How to Apply
If you are interested in please send the application material directly to Gabriele.Albertini@nottingham.ac.uk
Deadline: 5 July, 2023
PhD Position: Modelling of Dynamic Fracture in 3D
Description
The Albertini Lab at the University of Nottingham has an opening for a PhD student (home or international) in modelling dynamic fracture in 3D. The position is fully funded on a competitive basis with starting date 2023/2024. This position is part of a joint project between the Geo-Energy Research Centre and the Composites Research Group and focuses on understanding how fracture propagate in brittle materials such as rock, glass, ceramics, or concrete. This PhD position will focus on the modelling of the fracture in heterogeneous brittle materials. Most of our current understanding is based on two dimensional models and assume homogeneous material properties. However, real materials are three dimensional, mechanical properties vary spatially, and defects are present. These local variations and defects can have profound consequences on the macroscopic strength and toughness of the material but are poorly understood. The objective is to develop numerical models of fracture propagation in three dimensions that accounts for the realistic material properties and intricated crack path. This model will provide fundamental understanding on how fracture initiates, propagates, and arrests in a realistic material. The numerical results will then be compared to experimental data on ceramic composites and on 3d printed polymers from our collaborators within the University of Nottingham and at Harvard University. This knowledge will allow design and manufacture of future high-performance materials with superior impact resistance.
Eligibility
- You hold a Master degree in mechanical, civil or structural engineering, material science, physics or a related discipline and have a background in solid mechanics, applied mathematics, computational science or a related field.
- Additionally, you have prior programming experience and are fluent in English (oral and written).
- You show enthusiasm for conducting original research in an interdisciplinary and international team, and you strive for scientific excellence.
Application Documents
We look forward to receiving your application with the following documents:
- a CV
- an academic transcript
- copy of your master thesis
- a brief statement describing your project idea relevant to the job description, making a connection to your experience in this area and the related work from the literature
- the names and contact details of two references
How to Apply
Please send the application material directly to Gabriele.Albertini@nottingham.ac.uk
Deadline: July 5, 2023
PhD Studentship: Structural Behaviour of High Strength Steel Members and Connections
Description
In this project, CFHSS tubular members and joints made of S700 and higher steel grades will be experimentally and numerically investigated for their ultimate resistances under axial loads. Circular, square and rectangular hollow sections will be used as brace and chord members. Tests will be conducted on specimens under static loads. Test results will be used to meticulously develop finite element models of the investigated members and joints. Detailed numerical parametric studies will then be performed to analyse the influence of governing parameters on the static behaviour of these members and joints. The comprehensive database generated through experimental and numerical investigation will be used to assess the applicability of existing design rules given in international codes and guides. Finally, accurate and reliable design rules will be proposed. The challenges of welding for CFHSS will also be addressed in this project. The findings of this project will render robust, cost-effective, and sustainable applications of high strength steel members in various onshore and offshore structures.
Eligibility
Applicants should have, or expect to obtain,
- a 1st class or 2.1 honours degree (or international equivalent) in Civil or Structural Engineering.
- A relevant Master degree (MSc or M.Eng.) in Structural Engineering would indeed be a plus point.
- Students with experience in ABAQUS CAE are encouraged to apply. I am looking for an enthusiastic student with research oriented attitude.
- English Proficiency for Intl Applicants.
Benefits
This project will include the payment of tuition fees as well as a stipend. The current stipends are £18,110 and £13,503 per annum (tax free) for year 2023-24 for home and international candidates, respectively.
How to Apply:
Informal contact can be sent to Dr Madhup Pandey (Madhup.Pandey@nottingham.ac.uk) before submitting an online application. Please send an updated cover letter, latest CV and personal statement clearly indicating why you are a good fit for the topic; what you could bring to the project; how you have performed academically, details about previous publications etc.
Online application can be made via http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/pgstudy/how-to-apply/how-to-apply.aspx. Please quote the studentship reference and Dr Madhup Pandey.
Please state clearly that you are applying for PhD in Civil Engineering (36 months programme) and in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is “Structural Behaviour of High Strength Steel Members and Connections” and choose Dr Madhup Pandey as your primary supervisor and Dr John Owen as your co-supervisor from Civil Engineering Department of the University of Nottingham.
When applying for this studentship, please include the reference number (beginning ENG) within the personal statement section of the application. This will help in ensuring your application is sent directly to the academic advertising the studentship.
Deadline for Application is 15th of July, 2023
PhD Studentship: Synthesis of Monomers and Degradable Polymers from Renewable Feedstocks
Description
Applications are invited for a PhD Studentship, starting October 2023, in the School of Chemistry. The PhD project will focus on development of new monomeric building-blocks from renewable feedstocks using a wide range of synthetic methodologies and sustainable strategies. These will be used to produce fully degradable polymers for applications in homecare and personal care using polymerisation strategies that involve for example enzymatic polymerisation, supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) and microwave (µW) technologies. The project will be supervised by Prof Robert Stockman, Prof Steven Howdle and Dr Vincenzo Taresco. The project will involve close collaboration with another university and an industrial partner with a specific focus on green and sustainable chemistry. The project will provide a range of experience in synthesis and optimisation of monomers from renewable feedstocks as well as production of biodegradable polymers for applications.
Eligibility
- Only candidates with a master’s degree should apply.
- For diplomas awarded outside the European Union, a certificate of equivalence (NARIC) must be submitted. The degree requirements need to be fulfilled at the start of your appointment.
- You have a strong interest in academic and/or project-based research and services.
- You have strong analytical and critical thinking skills
- You have a strong interest in foodborne parasites, proteomics, and/or food allergens. Hands-on experience is an asset.
- You have strong communication skills.
- You are motivated to provide practical exercises to students.
- You are a team-player, but you can also work perfectly independently.
- You speak and write Dutch fluently. Good knowledge of English is also required.
Funding
The studentship is fully funded for 42 months. Stipend at the RCUK rate (currently £17,668 per annum) and tuition fees will be paid at the UK rate. International students must pay the difference between UK and international fees.
Application Documents
- Applicants should have, or expected to achieve, at least a 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent if from other countries) in Chemistry or a related subject. A MChem/MSci-4-year integrated Masters, a BSc + MSc or a BSc with substantial research experience will be highly advantageous. Experience in organic synthesis of small or big polymers and/or material analysis will also be beneficial.
- If English is not the candidate’s first language, they must provide evidence before the beginning of the studentship that they meet the University minimum English Language requirements (IELTS 6.0 with at least 5.5 in each element).
- If English is not the candidate’s first language, they must provide evidence before the beginning of the studentship that they meet the University minimum English Language requirements (IELTS 6.0 with at least 5.5 in each element).
How to Apply
To apply, students should initially contact either robert.stockman@nottingham.ac.uk, steve.howdle@nottingham.ac.uk or vincenzo.taresco@nottingham.ac.uk after which a formal application can be made via the University web site at: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/pgstudy/how-to-apply/apply-online.aspx