PhD in Biomaterials for Aerospace Composites

Applications are invited for a fully funded PhD studentship at the University of Manchester to help develop the next generation of simulation tools. These will be used to evaluate the structural integrity of novel aerospace composites under a wide range of operational conditions. The student will join a €3-4M euro research project that has recently been funded to investigate the use of biomaterials in aerospace composites. The project involves a range of academic and industrial partners in Europe and China, providing many opportunities for overseas research visits.

The successful applicant will work on the open source parallel finite element software, ParaFEM, adding new capabilities such as the ability to deal with contact mechanics and high strain rate physics (impact). Training in parallel computing will be provided. The student will have access to a state-of-the-art impact testing laboratory for verification and validation of the software as well as world class imaging facilities for post-mortem studies of test specimens. Links to articles about recent software development work carried out by the group are listed below. The successful applicant may work in one or more of these areas.

• Programming the finite element method
• Multiscale modelling using cellular automata coupled with finite elements
• Image-based modelling of materials
• The use of random fields to evaluate spatial variability in material properties

During the research programme, the successful applicant will develop a wide range of transferable skills (computer programming, high performance computing, multiscale modelling, materials characterisation, imaging), providing a number of different options regarding future career paths.

Applicants must have a good first degree in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics or Computer Science. Previous experience in writing computer software will be an advantage. If an applicant has no previous experience in software development, an interest and willingness to learn programming is essential.

If you are interested in this post, please send a CV and personal statement as to why you are suited to the position to Dr Lee Margetts on or before 12 February 2016.

Eligibility: Funding is available for UK and European applicants only. We are also interested to hear from potential candidates with their own funding source.