Supervisor: Dr Dean Sayle and Dr Anna Corrias

VISION: For millions of years, nature has evolved nanoporous materials (materials with ‘holes’ less than 1000^th of a mm in size) that combine high-strength with light-weight design (bone, crustacean shell etc.). More recently, nanoporous materials have been manufactured with framework architectures of nanometer dimensions. Structural engineering, which has evolved over thousands of years – perhaps emanating from the ‘arch construct’ (1850 B.C.) – is central to modern civilization and facilitates: space travel, bridges that span nearly 2 km and towers nearly a km in height. However, do such ‘engineering rules’ translate to nanoarchitectures? - and can they be exploited to engineer ultra-strong yet light materials? – Nature shows us that they can. Here, we will formulate the first engineering rules at the nanoscale by simulating nanoporous materials under compression using available supercomputing facilities. In addition, we will measure their mechanical strength by firing projectiles, at up to 8 km per second, at nanomaterials that we will synthesise.

Expertise will be gained in the following areas:

●   Computer Simulation of Nanomaterials using Supercomputing Facilities (HPC)

●   Synthesis of nanomaterials

●   Characterisation of nanomaterials: X-ray Diffraction, Electron Microscopy, at Kent and UCL, Synchrotron techniques, such as X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy at Diamond (UK) and Elettra  (Italy). Diamond Light Source: http://www.diamond.ac.uk/Home.htm l

●  Hyper-Velocity Impact Gas Gun Testing

No prior computer simulation experience is required. The student will gain an even balance of experimentation and simulation; a highly prized combination (for both industry and academia) enabling the student to be conversant in both disciplines.

This PhD Studentship is due to start in September 2015.

Entry requirements and Funding: Applicants should have or expect to obtain a first or upper second class honours degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Physics, Materials, or a related subject. This is a EPSRC-badged Scholarship (funding is 50% from EPSRC and 50% from the 50th Anniversary Scholarship funds), which will be offered at the standard UK Research Councils' rate (currently £13,863; to cover living costs) and will additionally cover tuition fees at the Home/EU rate (currently £3,996 per annum).

Webpages: http://www.kent.ac.uk/physical-sciences/staff/profiles/dean-sayle.html,  http://www.kent.ac.uk/physical-sciences/staff/profiles/anna-corrias.html                

Contact: For further information or informal enquiries, please contact

 Dr Dean Sayle (d.c.sayle<στο>kent.ac.uk) or

Dr Anna Corrias (a.corrias<στο>kent.ac.uk)

You will need to apply through the online application form on the main University website. Please note that you will be expected to provide personal details, education and employment history and supporting documentation (Curriculum Vitae, transcript of results, two academic references).

Interviews to be held between: 20 May 2015