PhD in Physics

3.5-year D.Phil. studentship in Nature-based and biomimetic foundation systems supervised by Professor Jonathan Knappett and Professor Chris Martin./nThe project will explore how different tree root system architectures behave under different combinations of vertical (V), horizontal (H) and moment (M) loading using a recently developed numerical modelling approach for simulating root-soil interaction, coupled with physical model testing to determine root-soil interaction parameters./nThe results will inform the development and evaluation of biomimetic foundation concepts that can be scaled-up and optimised for applications such as line-side cantilever gantries for railway electrification, transmission tower and solar farm foundations, anchorage systems for floating offshore renewable energy systems, or low-rise building foundations in remote areas./nLocation: Oxford. Start date: October 2026.