PhD Studentship - A micromechanical investigation into the effect of particle geometry (ENG1384)

General information:

Applications are invited for a PhD Studentship from suitably qualified graduates to work in the in Nottingham Centre for Geomechanics, at the University of Nottingham.

Project description:

Historically, large uncertainty in soil behaviour has resulted in significant levels of conservatism within the geotechnical design of Civil Engineering projects. In reaction to this, numerical and physical modelling researchers have worked to allow soil behaviour to be more accurately predicted. It might be thought therefore, by combining these advanced soil constitutive models with suitable mechanical models of adjoining structures, that the entire behaviour of the soil-structure system could now be relatively accurately modelled. However, this is not the case.

The difficulty in modelling the soil-structure system stems from the fact that the behaviour of the soil-structure interface cannot be accurately captured by existing soil or structural models. This is a critical issue as the soil-structure interface plays an important role in the overall response of the soil-structure system, particularly in terms of cyclic loading. The key issue with developing a rigorous interface model is associated with the lack of current understanding of the micromechanics involved.  By understanding how mechanisms, like how the degradation of particles and the degradation of a contacting surface influence each other at the microscale, it will be possible to develop a mathematical framework capable of describing such interactions. Then, using Discrete Element Modelling, a newly found understanding of the problem at the microscale could be used to simulate and predict potential damage at the macroscale. From these simulations, progress can then be made in the development of improved solutions to combat and mitigate damage caused by contact at a particle-structure interface.

The research will primarily utilise experimental tools, however will contain some numerical and analytical aspects, and will build on work already underway within the Nottingham Centre for Geomechanics.

Studentship:

After the application period closes, applicants will be short-listed and subsequently interviewed. If a successful candidate is selected, funding may be available. Candidates must be United Kingdom or EU nationals and be available to start their PhD in October 2020. If the funding is successfully obtained, it will last for 3.5 years.

Contact:

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr Charles Heron, Email: charles.heron@nottingham.ac.uk

Please apply here https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/pgstudy/how-to-apply/apply-online.aspx

When applying for this studentship, please include the reference number (beginning ENG and supervisors name) within the personal statement section of the application. This will help in ensuring your application is sent directly to the academic advertising the studentship.

Closing Date: 22 May 2020
Category: Studentships