PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Supervisors:/nDr Angus Pettey/nand/nDr Charles Heron/nAre abrasive grains truly "indestructible"? Research in our leading experimental lab is challenging the traditional view of soil-structure interaction. This project will investigate the critical role of changing particle shape on material wear and elevated stress transfer during continuous shearing which impacts wind turbine foundations, underground pipelines, and pharmaceutical manufacture, among others. Sand is the most ubiquitous engineering material on earth, yet research cannot fully explain the interaction between sand and structural materials as they shear and cause abrasion. This lack of understanding affects all granular problems, as such the applicant does not necessarily require formal education in geotechnics./nCandidate requirements/nApplicants with a background in mechanical/materials engineering or alternatively mathematics/computer science with an interest in numerical modelling are welcome to apply as well as civil engineering graduates with a focus on soil mechanics/geotechnics./nThe following desirable skills are an advantage, but not a requirement./nData analysis skills in python/nGranular mechanics - geotechnics/nNumerical modelling/nSkills you will gain/nUnder supervision you will gain:/nExpert knowledge of experimental modelling challenges and solutions/nAdvanced programming/data analysis and simulation skills/nHow to effectively communicate complex and novel research/nOpportunities to develop lab demonstration/teaching experience/nThe confidence to deal with uncertainty and tackle any problem without a defined final answer/nFunding/nThis position is fully funded for 3.5 years tuition and includes a tax-free UKRI stipend of approximately £20,780. After a suitable candidate is found, funding is then sought from the University of Nottingham as part of a competitive process./nEligibility and how to apply/nThis studentship is available for UK nationals, or in exceptional circumstances international applicants where the candidate has a strong application./nInterested applicants can find out more by emailing Dr Angus Pettey at/[email protected]/n. Please email with the subject line “Interface Micromechanics PhD.”