PhD Studentship in Shear Band Modelling

Applications are invited for a research studentship in the field of Mechanics of Materials leading to the award of a PhD degree.

Shear bands are narrow regions of intense shear that can arise when a material is deformed. The localisation of the deformation causes the temperature in the shear band to rise and can trigger chemical reactions within the material. Current continuum solid mechanics codes struggle to resolve shear bands accurately. The aim of this PhD is to establish robust, mesh-independent methods for modelling shear bands in reactive materials, specifically polymer bonded explosives. This research could exploit recently-developed, ad-hoc shear band sub-models that account for reaction in the shear band. The aim is to integrate these sub-models or provide equivalent methods within a continuum mechanics code capable of modelling arbitrary configurations. The project will investigate the possibility of using AI and machine learning in shear band modelling, developing a deep insight in which microstructural features or parameters in the model cause the most chemical reaction. 

You will be an enthusiastic and self-motivated person who meets the academic requirements for enrolment for the PhD degree at Imperial College London. You will have a 1st or 2:1 class honours degree in mechanical engineering, physics, mathematics, or a related subject, and an enquiring and rigorous approach to research together with a strong intellect and disciplined work habits. An interest in Mechanics of Materials is essential.

To find out more about research at Imperial College London in this area, go to:

https://www.imperial.ac.uk/mechanical-engineering/research/

This post is supported by a bursary and fees at the UK student rate provided by our research collaborators, AWE. As a result of the industrial funding, this studentship will attract a higher bursary than the usual EPSRC student rate. Open literature publication is encouraged, and funding is included for attending international scientific conferences. Due to the nature of the work undertaken by AWE, candidates should be a British Citizen or a citizen of a NATO country. The successful candidate will be encouraged to undergo security clearance to benefit from the possibility of spending some time embedded at AWE, gaining valuable experience of industrial research. For more information, see www.awe.co.uk

For further details of the post contact Prof Maria Charalambides m.charalambides @imperial.ac.uk  +44 (0)20 75947246. Interested applicants should send an up-to-date curriculum vitae to Prof Charalambides. Suitable candidates will be required to complete an electronic application form at Imperial College London in order for their qualifications to be addressed by College Registry.

Apply online via the above ‘Apply’ button.

Closing date: 04 July 2024