PhD Studentship in Mechanical Engineering at UCL, UK

Description: Outstanding applications are invited to join the Department of Mechanical Engineering at UCL as part of an EPSRC industrial CASE (iCASE) PhD studentship. The PhD project is being jointly supervised by Professor Ian Eames and Dr Emad Moeendarbary from the Department of Mechanical Engineering (University College London, UCL) and Dr Alireza Azarbadegan from BP plc (British multinational oil and gas company).

Project Brief: Pressure pulsation generated by pumps and compressors introduces periodic internal loading on piping systems that can generate pipe displacement. Significant pipe vibrations can build up which may lead to fatigue failure. The pressure pulse generation, propagation and structural response from the piping network are non-linear and 3D. The aim of this project will be to determine, assess and devise the best available tools for the structural response of the real complex piping structure. The objectives are to analyse and compare all available models against the same test case and apply the best practical modelling technique and compare with published experimental data sets. The final outcome of the work will be a set of engineering tools for fatigue analysis of piping systems in pulsation service.

Eligibility

• Applicants are preferred to have a first-class undergraduate and master’s degrees (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics or a related discipline.
• The position is open to UK/EU nationals and international candidates.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal and communication skills, along with a stated interest in interdisciplinary research, are essential.
• Experience in computer programing and strong knowledge in solid mechanics and/ or fluid mechanics and/or vibration would be essential.
• Fluency and clarity in spoken English as well as good written English in accordance with UCL English requirements (TOEFL>92 or IELTS>6.5).

Application Process

Eligible applicants should contact Dr. Emad Moeendarbary (e.moeendarbary@ucl.ac.uk) enclosing a cover letter (including the names and contact details of two referees), one-page research statement and two pages CV. The shortlisted candidates will be notified for an interview and required to formally apply online through UCL website.