EPSRC FIBE2 CDT Studentship with StructureMode: New One-Dimensional Models and Application to the Design of Reconfigurable Pop-Up Structures

This is a four-year (1+3 MRes/PhD) studentship funded through the Cambridge EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Future Infrastructure and Built Environment: Resilience in a Changing World (FIBE2 CDT ). The FIBE2 CDT aims to develop the next generation of infrastructure professionals who can create, shape and deliver the national vision for UK infrastructure.

The project is funded in collaboration with StructureMode: a leading firm of structural engineers in novel, sustainable and innovative structural systemswith unique expertise and experience in practice-based research and testing.

The climate emergency triggers the development of novel systems that optimize structural performance while minimizing material and manufacturing costs. Reconfigurable structures are particularly interesting as they are manufactured off-site and offer the possibility of adaptive designs for multi-purpose applications.

We focus on tape-springs as they undergo a complete change of shape upon folding. They can be coiled onto a spool, which allows the length of the members to be adjusted.

This project will result in an efficient and accurate modelling tool for thin reconfigurable shell structures and thus improve the understanding of the nonlinear behaviour of these systems. Investigating proof-of-concept practical solutions for junctions and deployment mechanisms will also be an important step towards integrating these structures quickly into real world structural applications.

For general enquiries, please email cdtcivil-courseadmin@eng.cam.ac.uk . For project-specific enquiries please e-mail Dr Claire Lestringant [casl4@cam.ac.uk ]

Applicants should have (or expect to obtain by the start date) at least a good 2.1 degree in a Bachelors or Masters in Civil Engineering or Mechanical Engineering. A good knowledge and experience of mechanics or physics. Knowledge in plate/shell theory and calculus will be useful but is not mandatory.

FIBE2 CDT studentships are fully-funded (fees and maintenance) for eligible UK students. International (including EU) students will be considered for partial funding (home-level fees and maintenance) from the CDT.

Further details about eligibility and funding can be found at:

https://epsrc.ukri.org/skills/students/help/eligibility/

https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/finance/fees

Candidates must apply through the portal with the project and supervisor listed on the form. There is a £70 fee for application.