Applications are invited for a fully-funded EPSRC DTA studentship for Three (3) years, open to suitably qualified UK/EU students, to work in the field of either (a) Lightweight structural system for blast and ballistic protection or (b) Risk modelling of bone fracture.
Project (1): New sandwich core topologies offering lightweight alternatives to traditional monolithic construction of equivalent weight have emerged in the last decade. It was also found that significant reduction in impulse transmission can be achieved by reducing the mass of the front panel facing the primary shock. This, in turn, makes it more vulnerable to perforation by spall debris, generated by the secondary effect of drag loading which manifests as a high velocity wind, during an air-blast. The project will examine different combinations of core topology with ceramic/composite armour face sheets to mitigate both the primary shock and secondary drag-loading effects. It will involve combination of experiments and modelling to tackle the synergistic interactions between the two competing requirements to achieve both blast and ballistic protection.
Project (2): This project involves the development of a predictive tool for osteoporotic fracture management, using the Stochastic Finite Element Method, to quantifybone fracture risk. Hitherto, prediction of fracture risk for osteoporotic patients is restricted to the quantitative analysis of bone density. Building on previous work in the mechanics of cellular materials, the aim is to quantify and relate the role of damage accumulation and local morphometric parameters (geometry, macro and micro-structural organisation and distribution of materials within bone) to the global fracture risk of cancellous bones which should provide a more effective prevention and treatment of age- and disease-related fractures.
Eligibility: Applicants should have obtained (or expect to be awarded) a First or Upper 2:1 degree in mechanical/civil/general engineering, applied mathematics, physics, or a related discipline.
Closing Date (for application) and Start Date: 30th May 2010 and 1st October 2010
Value of award: Full tuition fees and stipend of up to L15,363 per annum. Note that resident requirements as spelled out in http://www.epsrc.ac.uk/funding/students/Pages/eligibility.aspx apply.
PhD Studentship, University College London ? Department of Mechanical Engineering
