Start date: 5th October 2015

Duration: 3.5 years

The project: Predictive Modelling of Chemomechanical Materials Failure Processes

A highly motivated PhD candidate is sought to join the group of Dr James Kermode in the Warwick Centre for Predictive Modelling at the University of Warwick. Despite the potential for significant technological and economic impact, remarkably little is known about the fundamental mechanisms that cause many materials to fail. The proposed PhD research will use atomistic simulations of processes such as fracture and dislocation creep to not only improve our understanding of materials failure but also suggest strategies to control it.

Accurate simulations of these “chemomechanical” processes where stress and chemistry are tightly coupled have only recently been made practical using novel multiscale techniques developed by Dr Kermode [1-3]. This PhD project will use these techniques together with High Performance Computing to carry out simulations of materials failure processes. The ultimate goal is to address the heavy reliance of current continuum models on empirical failure criteria, by replacing these with atomistically informed criteria including reliable probabilistic “error bars” that describe the effects of model error and limited data. This is expected to lead to predictive models of great interest to industry.

Several different real-world application areas are possible:

1.  Helping to address the unsustainably high energy cost of breaking up mineral ores

2.  Developing sharper diamond cutting tools

3.  Improving the resilience of submerged pipelines where the cost of inspection is very high

The Warwick Centre for Predictive Modelling (http://www.warwick.ac.uk/wcpm) provides a rich interdisciplinary research environment focussed on providing a framework for the application of predictive modelling and uncertainty quantification tools in science and engineering research. The project will also enjoy close connections with experimental work at Warwick and with ongoing methodological development at Kings College London and in Cambridge.

References:

[1] J. R. Kermode et al. Nature 455, 1224 (2008)

[2] J. R. Kermode et al. Nat. Commun. 4, 2441 (2013)

[3] A. Gleizer et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 112, 115501 (2014).

Eligibility:

Candidates should hold or expect to hold a 1st (or high 2.1) in Physics, Mathematics or a related subject area, and strong mathematical skills are vital. Some knowledge of programming, High Performance Computing, Machine Learning and/or stochastic modelling techniques would be advantageous. Two academic references will also be required at the admission stage.

Funding Details:

The Scholarship will pay an annual stipend at the standard rate (currently £14,140) and cover the UK tuition fees for 3.5 years.

How to apply:

To apply for this post you must submit your CV to the form shown below. Interviews will be held from the end of April 2015 onwards. Submit your CV tohttp://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/eng/study/pg/funding/wcpm

If you are successful at the interview you will be required to fulfil the entry requirements set by the University of Warwick. As soon as you have a University ID number you will be invited to upload your degree certificate, transcripts, and a personal statement that explains your specific research interests and why you should be considered for this award.