PhD Scholarship in Advanced Plasticity Modelling for Aircraft Structural Fatigue Analysis --Deadline 30 May 2014--

PhD Scholarship in Advanced Plasticity Modelling for Aircraft Structural Fatigue Analysis

The RMIT University Sir Lawrence Wackett Aerospace Centre along with the Aerospace Division of the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) are collaborating to develop and validate advanced cyclic plasticity models for fatigue analysis of Australian Defence Force (ADF) aircraft structures. The objective of this project is to develop improved constitutive models to better quantify fatigue damage in selected aluminium alloy structures subjected to a relatively benign load spectrum with millions of cycles interspersed with a small number of severe cycles. The outcome of the research will contribute directly to the life assessment of ADF fighter, trainer and other aircraft types.

The RMIT University School of Aerospace, Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, through the Sir Lawrence Wackett Aerospace Research Centre, is inviting applications from exceptional research candidates for a funded PhD project. The scholarship is valued at $20,000 per annum for three (3) years. A top-up scholarship may be offered in addition, subject to student’s performance. Additional funds are available to support research dissemination activities, such as presentation of research papers at reputable international conferences, delivery of research seminars, journal paper publication fees, etc. 

Minimum requirements:

• Be an Australian Citizen (due to project’s security restrictions)
• Have completed a 4-year Bachelor (honours) degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering;
• Have a solid background in theoretical aspects (constitutive modelling) and numerical implementation of cyclic plasticity;
• Have background in fatigue calculation methodologies (preferably in an aerospace context);
• Have experience in computer programming;
• Be able to commence research as soon as possible;
• Enrol in a postgraduate research (PhD) degree as full time student;

Preference will be given to candidates holding a Master’s degree in a relevant area and/or having previous research experience in fields aligning with the requirements of the research project.

For more information please refer to the attached pdf file and following link: http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=rd1n9ly9m7hj