PhD – Finite Element Analysis of Thermo-mechanical Properties of Polyamide Nanocomposites for Automotive Applications – (Ph.D.)

Cranfield University is seeking a highly motivated graduate to undertake this exciting research project, which aims to develop an automotive lightweight engine component as concept demonstrator by exploiting nano-scale complexity in materials. The key objective is to tailor, at the nanoscale, novel material systems with radically new or enhanced properties and performance based upon improved understanding of thermoplastic nanocomposites.

Thermoplastics offer advantages in terms of weight and cost when compared to conventional steel and aluminium castings. Thermo-mechanical performance of the thermoplastic autoparts remains a challenge for mechanically, thermally or pressure loaded applications. Tensile, compression and shear properties are hugely temperature dependent. Clever structural designs on our recently developed thermoplastic (polyamide) oil pans and their commercialisation has proven that the under-the-hood automotive components are possible cost-effective applications.

This project is expected to accelerate the development of a range of lighter vehicle nano-enhanced components that can be fitted into current mass produced automotive cars or vans. A materials database will be developed and used for finite element analysis to model and simulate the structural dynamic behaviour such as localised impact, failure analysis mechanism and boundary conditions, in order to construct structure properties at different life stages of the car.

The successful candidate will be based at the University campus in Bedfordshire and will have access to a variety of mechanical, impact and crashworthiness testing facilities

Funding

*Supported by an EPSRC bursary and Eaton this studentship will cover the tuition fees at the UK/EU rate only and provide a bursary of up to £14,500 p.a for three years. To be eligible for this funding applicants must have:

· no restrictions on how long you can stay in the UK, i.e. no visa restrictions or have ‘settled status’, and

· have been ‘ordinarily resident’ in the UK for 3 years prior to the start of the grant and

· not been residing in the UK wholly or mainly for the purpose of full-time education. (This does not apply to UK or EU nationals).

All EU nationals are eligible to receive a fees-only award if they do not have ‘settled status’ in the UK.

All non-EU nationals are very unlikely to be eligible for this funding under the Education (Fees and Awards) Regulations 1997, however EPSRC will allow universities some flexibility and discretion to support the very best students wherever they may come from – please contact us directly for further information.

For full details about eligibility please visit:

How to apply

Please complete the application form at: style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;">

Alternatively you can request that we post one to you or apply online by visiting our website.

For more information please contact:

School of Applied Sciences
T: 44 (0)1234 754086
E: appliedsciences@cranfield.ac.uk

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