The studentship project will investigate cutting edge real-time in-situ tri-axial strain monitoring sensors to provide data to inform analytical modelling of tapestries using Finite Elements and explicit mathematical formulations together with modern Dynamic Equilibrium methods used in fabric simulations and controlled laboratory testing.

The focus of the project will be on the historical textile tapestry collections at Hampton Court Palace. Their exposure to environmental risks may result in structural deterioration potentially leading to loss of affected areas. The project will seek to understand how humidity and temperature influence the stress and strain distribution in hanging historic textiles to inform their preservation.

The following concrete research questions are of interest:

(i) What is the relationship between the environmental changes in humidity and temperature and strain in historic tapestries?

(ii) What are the most appropriate analytical techniques to model this relationship?

(iii) Can model-based simulations inform the optimum environmental conditions for the protection of historic tapestries?

(iv) How can the analytical model inform current tapestry conservation methods, such as ‘structural stitching’?

This project is part of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Science and Engineering in Arts, Heritage and Archaeology (SEAHA) in collaboration with IBM T.J. Watson Research Center and co-funded by Historic Royal Palaces. For further details contact Dr. Rodolfo Lorenzo, r.lorenzo<στο>ucl.ac.uk.

This exciting project will provide the successful candidate with a wide range of engineering, modelling, material science, environmental science as well as professional skills to develop their future career in a wide variety of multidisciplinary environments ranging from academia and conservation to engineering consultancy. The successful candidate will have a good first degree with a strong analytical modelling background in a relevant discipline such as engineering, physics or material science but also conservation, heritage science or architecture.

As a SEAHA student, you will have unparalleled access to research infrastructure and expertise across three universities and almost 50 heritage, research and industrial partners. In addition to the university doctoral training requirements, SEAHA students take part in an exciting range of cohort activities, ranging from residential events and group projects, to conferences and careers events. Please visit the SEAHA website (www.seaha-cdt.ac.uk) for details.

The SEAHA Studentship will cover home fees and a stipend of up to a maximum of £16,726 per year (current rate) for eligible applicants (www.seaha-cdt.ac.uk/opportunities/eligibility-criteria), and a substantial budget for research, travel, and cohort activities.

The award will be subject to Grant Agreement between UCL, Historic Royal Palaces and IBM T.J. Watson Research Center.

For full details on how to apply, please click on the project advert here: www.seaha-cdt.ac.uk/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/P1-2015-Advert-FINAL2.pdf

Important information regarding application:http://www.seaha-cdt.ac.uk/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/P14-2015-Advert_FINAL.pdf

Applications should not be submitted by UCL online admissions system. Instead, they should be sent directly to the SEAHA Centre Manager: manager<στο>seaha-cdt.ac.uk

Application deadline: open until filled.

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