Helen Gardner's blog

The aim of the PhD is to develop a micromechanical model for forming of non-crimp fabrics (NCFs), and use this to optimise the pre-forming process for manufacture of complex shapes. The work will include both experimental work and finite element modelling. The work will benefit from close links with industrial partners Formax (manufacturer of NCFs), Simulia (developers of Abaqus forming simulation tools) and Jaguar Land Rover.

A fully funded PhD studentship is available, the aim of the project is to design, manufacture and test a range of lattices on the micron to millimetre scale. There is scope for predicting the mechanical response such as strength, toughness and fatigue resistance of two inter-penetrating lattices with application to automotive crash resistance, for example.

Applicants should have (or expect to obtain by the start date) a 1st class degree (and preferably a Masters degree) from an Engineering or Materials background.

A fully funded PhD scholarship exists in the area of mechanics of materials, endowed in honour of Prof M F Ashby. The successful applicant will have a 1st class degree (and ideally a Masters degree) in an appropriate field. The precise topic of the PhD can be fixed after the scholarship has been awarded.

Further details may be obtained from Ms H A Gardner (has22@cam.ac.uk) .

A fully funded PhD scholarship exists in the area of mechnics of materials, endowed in honour of Professor M F Ashby.  The successful applicant will have a 1st class degree (and ideally a Masters degree) in an appropriate field.  The precise topic of the PhD can be fixed after the scholarship has been awarded.  Further details may be obtained from Ms H A Gardner.

Fully funded 3 year PhD in the Mechanics of Lightweight Structural Protection.  The project is an experimental and theoretical investigation of the invention of lightweight energy absorbing materials under static and dynamic loading.  The challenge is to optimise the use of multi-layers to contain a projectile or fragment in a lightweight panel, by exploring the use of metal lattices and composites. The project requires a 1st class honours degree or equivalent in engineering, applied science or materials science.

A 4 year project, in collaboration with SABIC, on the design of polymeric foams will be performed at the Cambridge University department of Engineering. The project will explore the relationship between microstructure and macroscopic properties of a range of new reinforced foams, including composite-reinforced foams.