Project Description

Virtual engineering is a vital tool for reducing costs during the vehicle design process. Existing crash-test software (PamCrash, LS-DYNA) models structural deformations during a crash based on well-established finite element analysis (FEA). However, vehicle safety could be improved if the initial crash impulse that vibrates through the structure could be used to trigger the airbag, since this wave travels faster than the structure deforms. Modelling this wave by conventional FEA is inefficient and unviable since it is a high-frequency impulse traveling through a complex and uncertain structure. A statistical mechanics simulation tool for tracking crash impulse propagation will be developed with the aim of improving vehicle safety. A central goal will be the development of a time-dependent discrete flow mapping algorithm to model the wave travel time through different parts of the structure.

The project will complement the work of the EU Marie Curie Industry and Academic Partnerships and Pathways (IAPP) project Mid-to-High Frequency Modelling of Vehicle Noise and Vibration (MHiVec,www.inutech.de/mhivec), which is coordinated by Nottingham Trent University. The successful applicant will benefit from working with an international and interdisciplinary research network including partners from industry (Jaguar Land Rover Ltd., inuTech GmbH and CDH AG) and academia (University of Southampton, University of Nottingham). The position would ideally suit an applied mathematician with strong computing skills and an interest in Engineering applications or an engineer with a strong interest in computational mathematics.

Funding status

Directly funded project. Eligibility for worldwide students. Please note the funding terms for none EU students below.

Entry requirements

First class honours degree in mathematics, engineering or a related discipline.

Alternatively, Upper second class honours with a masters in an appropriate subject area.

Experience of mathematical programming using Matlab and/or C++ is desirable.

Eligibility

Applications can be accepted from UK/EU and also International students. The minimum English language proficiency requirement for candidates who have not undertaken a higher degree at a UK HE institution is IELTS 6.5.

Fees and funding (2014/15)

The studentship covers UK/ EU tuition fees and an annual maintenance allowance of at least £13,863. Home/EU tuition fees will be covered by the bursary.

None EU students will need to pay the difference between the EU fee and the international fee themselves.

If a student has not submitted their thesis by the end of year three, he / she is required to enrol for a fourth year and pay the Writing Up Fee to enable him/her to complete and submit the thesis. The Writing Up Fee is currently £350. No Bench fee is payable in Year Four.

Application forms can be downloaded from

http://www.ntu.ac.uk/research/graduate_school/applying_fees_funding/index.html

Apply by sending a CV and completed application form directly to  David.chappell<στο>ntu.ac.uk

Enquiries to David.chappell<στο>ntu.ac.uk