Deadline: Applications will be accepted at any time until the position is filled.

The use of lightweight composite materials has been rapidly increasing within aircraft. In military application the survivability of the aircraft is of utmost importance. This project aims to investigate the effect of fire on the structural integrity of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) airframes. The project will combine experimental and numerical modelling of the structural performance of carbon fibre airframes subjected to fire and provide an assessment of their survivability in this harsh environment. This project is designed as an EngD programme, within which it is expected that at least 2 years of the research activities will take place at the Defence, Science and Technology Laboratories (DSTL) at Portsdown West. This position is only available to resident UK nationals and is subject to security clearance.

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Dr Stephen Boyd, Fluid Structure Interaction research group, Email: s.w.boyd<στο>soton.ac.uk, Tel: +44 (0) 2380 59 2375.

The funding associated with this project covers EU/UK fees and stipend. Overseas students may have to cover the difference between EU/UK fees and international fees.