Multiscale Numerical Approaches for Materials Design and Engineering

The Engineering and Mathematics Group within the School of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment is inviting applications for a research studentship in developing novel numerical approaches for design and engineering of composite materials and metamaterials leading to the award of a PhD degree.

Currently, the progress in the area of design of new advanced materials is greatly limited by the absence of reliable numerical approaches that can be employed to predict various properties of a material based on its composition and production technology. This regards mechanical properties, strength, electrical properties, dynamic wave propagation properties, etc. As a result, new findings in the area are usually an outcome of extensive, time- and resource-consuming experimental work.

This doctoral research project aims to develop new multi-scale numerical approaches combining classical numerical techniques of continuum mechanics (i.e. Finite Element Method, FEM) with discrete 3D models giving a possibility to simulate and analyse various local material properties. Another important part of the project will be the development of a strategy to optimise desired material properties based on advanced evolutionary algorithms or another AI technique.

Since the core objective is to develop numerical approaches for simulations in solid mechanics, this research requires an excellent understanding of solid mechanics and elasticity theory, solid body dynamics, wave mechanics, plasticity, fracture mechanics and numerical methods for solution of equations arising in the above areas (i.e. most probably FEM). Furthermore, the research involves interconnection to discrete approaches and evolutionary computations/AI, so it is desirable that a candidate has an understanding of probability, combinatorics, linear algebra and discrete mathematics. This research will include a big part of code development, so experience with programming (ex. PYTHON, FORTRAN, ANSYS APDL, C++) is essential. 

Academic qualifications

A first-class honours degree, or a distinction at master level, or equivalent achievements ideally in Solid Mechanics, Applied Mathematics.

English language requirement

If your first language is not English, comply with the University requirements for research degree programmes in terms of English language.

Application process

Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the supervisor, Dr Vladimir Bratov (V.Bratov@napier.ac.uk) to discuss the content of the project and the fit with their qualifications and skills before preparing an application. 

The application must include: 

Research project outline of 2 pages (list of references excluded). The outline may provide details about

• Background and motivation, explaining the importance of the project, should be supported also by relevant literature. You can also discuss the applications you expect for the project results.
• Research questions or
• Methodology: types of data to be used, approach to data collection, and data analysis methods.
• List of references

The outline must be created solely by the applicant. Supervisors can only offer general discussions about the project idea without providing any additional support.

• Statement no longer than 1 page describing your motivations and fit with the project.
• Recent and complete curriculum vitae. The curriculum must include a declaration regarding the English language qualifications of the candidate.
• Supporting documents will have to be submitted by successful candidates.
• Two academic references (but if you have been out of education for more than three years, you may submit one academic and one professional reference), on the form can be downloaded here.

Applications can be submitted here.

Download a copy of the project details here.