PhD Studentship - Computational Modelling of Molecular Dynamics in Elastomeric Seal Leakage PhD

Cranfield Campus based students start date:   27/09/2021   

An exciting PhD position sponsored by EPSRC and Airbus in Computational Modelling of Molecular Dynamics in Elastomeric Seal Leakage is open for applications. You will construct a novel model of elastomeric materials to simulate sliding, rolling, and oscillating motion, while investigating the nanotribology properties with a Molecular Dynamics model. The emphasis is on the understanding of the relative importance of various material properties and other key factors on the seal leakage.

Background

One of the key contributors of seal leakage is attributed to the dynamic operation and environmental conditions of the hydraulic system. During the life cycle of the seal, the elastomeric material is submitted to excessive wear which in turn increases the leakage rate, thus the overall performance of the hydraulic system deteriorates.  

Tribology, the study of friction and wear is mainly carried out through empirical and experimental practices. In recent years computational tribology has seen an increase in research interests by both the physics and engineering research communities. Cutting-edge research in computational frameworks has seen industrial interest in developing numerical models and workflows for the study of tribological properties. The insights of friction and wear characteristic from these simulations is used to improve the design of mechanical components such as seals. The computational analyses are performed in both the continuum and molecular realm. 

Cranfield University excels in strategic and applied research. In the latest 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF), 81% of our research was considered ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ in its quality. Cranfield is a ‘Top 5’ research institute, based on commercial income and it is the only Post Graduate exclusive University of the UK.

The project looks at developing Molecular Dynamics models that can simulate nanotribological properties of seals and seal-systems, which then can be employed to enhance the modelling performance (accuracy & cost) of continuum models such as Computational Fluid Dynamics, Structural Dynamics, and Fluid Structure Interaction.

You will belong to a new Airbus Landing Systems Engineering Centre (LASEC) at Cranfield University, as well as the Centre for Structures Assembly and Intelligent Automation within The School of Aerospace, Transport, and Manufacturing. Working within LASEC will enable frequent contact with Airbus Engineers with a valuable physical understanding of the processes in the application area. Funding for conference travel exists. Relocation to Airbus in Filton, Bristol, for a minimum of three months during the 4-year PhD project will be an opportunity for further immersion into the company.

Funding

Due to the nature of the funding, it is expected that the successful applicant will be a UK national or EU national who has resided in the UK for three years prior to the start date of the studentship.

Entry requirements

Applicants should have a first class UK honours degree or equivalent in an area of Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or Computational Science, with a command on modelling and a strong passion to learn. This project would suit a person with a broad knowledge of tribology and molecular dynamics. The candidate should be self-motivated and have good communication skills. Furthermore, the ability to write publications that succinctly describe complex systems and novel concepts is a requirement. An MSc in a related topic would be an advantage.