DOCTORAT IN STRAINATATE: 2 PHD FUNDED RESEARCH ON TSUNAMI
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calendar_month 06 Sep 2007, 00:00
Applicants are sought for a fully funded EPSRC PhD studentship to be held at the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at UCL and HR Wallingford (www.civeng. ucl.ac.uk ; www.hrwallingford. co.uk).

The project will involve numerical modeling and experiments for the optimization of the new and unique large-scale tsunami generator at HR Wallingford.


The successful applicant will become a part of the EPSRC-funded Earthquake and People Interaction Centre, (EPICENTRE: http://gow.epsrc. ac.uk/ViewGrant. aspx?GrantRef= EP/F012179/ 1), and be expected to interact with researchers in coastal and earthquake engineering, and psychology. The nature of the project should suit students from a wide range of numerate backgrounds, (eg aeronautical, mechanical or civil engineering, physics or applied mathematics) , who are responsible, adaptable and passionate about carrying out physical experiments.

Application deadline: 7th September 2007

Interviews: 17th - 21st September 2007

Project Start Date: October 2007

Simulation of Tsunami (violent flows) and their Effects

Tsunami generation and propagation processes are reasonably well-modelled by present tools; inundation processes are less completely or reliably modelled, and translating these flows into lateral loads and damage of buildings is extremely weak. UCLa€™s EPICENTRE is collaborating with HR Wallingford in the development of a Tsunami Generator. This unique piece of equipment, will be used in the extensive experimental facilities at HR Wallingford and is intended to allow realistic simulation of tsunami wave actions at relatively large scales (1:50-1:150) . The project involves optimization of the testing facilities and generator through numerical modeling (using several software packages), input to the design and testing of the Tsunami Generator, and running experimental tests in simulations of realistic tsunami waves. Data on structural loads and scour potential will allow validation of analytical models to simulate tsunami flow onshore, scour around structures and interaction

of tsunami waves with buildings.

Applicants will be required to present / publish results and to work with the teams of researchers at HR Wallingford and at the EPICENTRE. The applicant will need to spend time both at HR Wallingford and UCL when required.

The Applicant:

The ideal candidate will have a good background in engineering or the physical sciences. Experience in one or more of the methods used for the project, as detailed above, would be an advantage.

The Funding: The scholarship covers UCL registration fees and provides a stipend of AL14,622 /annum. Travel expenses and necessary research equipment will also be paid for.

Application Procedure:

Suitable applicants should send a cover letter and CV to t.rossetto@ucl.ac.uk.

Applicants should also apply at the same time to UCL by submitting the general PhD application form, available from: http://www.ucl. ac.uk/prospectiv e-students/ graduate- study/applicatio n-admission , entering Civil and Environmental Engineering as the department and naming Dr Tiziana Rossetto as the proposed supervisor. The original should be sent to the Admissions office; and a copy should also be sent to: Dr Tiziana Rossetto, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University College London, Gower St, London WC1E 6BT, UK.