Project description
Crack propagation is one of the main processes leading to failure, and understanding
its mechanism is essential for integrity assessment of many critical
structures, e.g. renewable energy systems, underground hazardous waste disposal
facilities, oil extraction wells and etc. In reality, crack path is affected by heterogeneous nature of the material. However, the effect of material heterogeneity on crack path cannot be easily
determined from classical fracture theory. Therefore, the objective of this
project is to develop a theoretical model and computational framework for
better simulation of crack advancement in heterogeneous materials.
Statistical mathematics and advanced numerical approaches will be used to
describe the effect of inherent fluctuation of material properties on
initiation and direction of crack.
Candidates
must have a good class honours first degree in Civil Engineering, Mechanical
Engineering, Mathematics or a relevant discipline. We are looking for someone that has strong computer
programming skills and complementary knowledge of solid mechanics. Experience with fracture mechanics and numerical methods is desirable. The project is scheduled to begin in October 2013.
To apply
send your CV and covering letter including contact details of two referees to
Dr Mohaddeseh Mousavi Nezhad at m.mousavi-nezhad [at] warwick.ac.uk (m[dot]mousavi-nezhad[at]warwick[dot]ac[dot]uk).
The covering letter must state how your interest and experience relate to the
project.