This PhD programme is a partnership between the School of Mathematical Sciences and the Faculty of Engineering.

The University of Nottingham is a world leader in aerospace R&D. With a research income which exceeds £120M per Year, the Engineering Research Power of the University currently ranks 4th in the UK. The Faculty of Engineering is ranked in the top 5 out of 85 engineering departments in the UK in the last Research Assessment Exercise, with most of its research output classified as world leading or internationally excellent in quality. It provides state-of-the art experimental and computational facilities and attracts leading scholars from around the world, many of whom are leaders in their fields.

Computing the dynamic response of modern aerospace, automotive and civil structures can be a computationally challenging task. Characterising the structural dynamics in terms of waves in a uniform or periodic medium is often an important first step in understanding the principal propagating wave modes. Real mechanical structures are rarely fully periodic or homogeneous – variations in shape or thickness, boundaries and intersections as well as curvature destroy the perfect symmetry. The aim of the project is to extend periodic structure theory to wave propagation in quasi-periodic and inhomogeneous media such as stiffened industrial structures. The project will be supported by a major European industry and the PhD candidate will have the opportunity to interact with leading industrial experts in the field.

The studentship provides an annual stipend of approximately £13,726 and full payment of Home/EU Tuition Fees and will cover up to four years of study, depending on the training needs of the candidate. An additional £2,000 a year may be awarded for students with a 1st class degree/MSc Distinction from a UK Russell Group University or equivalent. Please note that due to funding restrictions, current funding is available to UK/EU nationals only.

The successful applicant would:

i)  be in possession of (or be expecting to obtain) a first-class or a 2:1 degree in mathematics, physics, mechanical engineering or a relevant discipline and

ii)  have a sound background in numerical modelling.

Informal enquiries should be addressed to Dr Tanner gregor.tanner<στο>nottingham.ac.uk and/or Dr Chronopoulos dimitrios.chronopoulos<στο>nottingham.ac.uk. 

To apply, please access: https://my.nottingham.ac.uk/pgapps/welcome/.

Please quote ref: ENG822

This studentship is open until filled.  Early application is strongly encouraged.