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The EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Composites (CIMComp) is offering funding for a two year research fellowship in the field of Composites Manufacturing. CIMComp is looking to fund TRL 1 to 3 research which will aid the fundamental understanding of composites manufacturing. The fellowship is intended to offer a first step into an independent research career for young engineers and scientists working on innovative manufacturing processes for composite components and structures. This can include development of new manufacturing technologies, analytical studies to develop a fundamental understanding of state-of-the-art processes, and development of process modelling and optimisation techniques. Awards are limited to a maximum duration of two years.
The EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing comprises 12 centres across the country. Their mission is to maximise the impact of innovative research for the UK, support existing industries, and more importantly, open up new industries and markets in growth areas. CIMComp provides world-class capability and equipment across four core academic institutions (Nottingham, Bristol, Cranfield and Manchester).
Launched in July 2011, CIMComp aims to:
The centre was launched with four initial core projects.
Details of current activities can be found at: www.epsrc-cimc.ac.uk/Projects.aspx
In order to grow the national research effort in composites manufacturing CIMComp has allocated finance to the development of fellowships. 40% of CIMComp activities are focused on outreach, dissemination and crucially the bringing in of new ideas by growth of the network facilitated by the development of independent researchers.
Fellowships will enable researchers to develop their own research ideas and methodologies. Ideally the researcher will need to be based at one of the core partner universities. Researchers will have access to facilities and expertise across all four partner Universities. The fellowship is for a fixed period of up to two years, although the successful candidate will be expected to generate additional funding to extend this period and expand their area of research.
Research proposals that are complimentary but distinct from the four core projects are within the overall vision of CIMComp and/or support one of the following identified areas are invited:
Salaries will be set on the Research Staff 4 and 5 scales (£24,520 - 44,166) depending on the applicant’s experience. An annual research expenses grant will be provided of up to £5,000 for each year the fellowship is held.
Full access will be available to the core member's existing equipment register through an internal equipment access budget.
Applicants must have a PhD in a relevant subject, and a strong track record in publication and presentation of research results. Experience in manufacturing of polymer composites would be a distinct advantage.
Applicants are required to specify a research project and provide a brief description of the proposed objectives and methodology, using the application form available at: www.epsrc-cimc.ac.uk/LatestVacancies/FellowshipVacancies.aspx
Applicants should send a detailed CV, together with a completed application form, including details of two referees to donna.astill@nottingham.ac.uk
Submissions will be considered by the CIIMComp Management Group at the earliest possible opportunity. The evaluation criteria for applications in order of importance are as follows:
For more details in the first instance, please contact Donna Astill, at donna.astill@epsrc-cimc.ac.uk or on 0115 951 5561. Applicants are asked to consult with their respective University research offices in advance of submitting proposals to this call, and to be clear as to their institutional requirements in relation to meeting the deadlines for this call.
An EPSRC CASE award sponsored by Airbus is available aiming to investigate and develop the optimisation of aeroelastically tailored aircraft wing-box designs using composite laminates, with the particular aim of loads alleviation. Major novelties include:
The project will have significant industrial interaction and attracts CASE support. The student will be expected to spend substantial periods of time on placement at Airbus and will be required to interact with Airbus Engineers regularly. The project is interdisciplinary in nature requiring both strong aerodynamics and structural skills. Composites and aerodynamics research at Bristol brings together in excess of 100 researchers through the Advanced Composites Centre for Innovation and Science (ACCIS) and the Fluids and Aerodynamics Research Group.
Students should have a first degree equivalent to at least a First or 2:1 Class Honours degree in aerospace, civil, materials or mechanical engineering or in physics or maths. An aptitude for both analytical and numerical modelling is required. Stipend will be approx £16.5k/pa for three years and it is noted that full funding is restricted to UK students or fees only for EU. Start date from July 2012.
Main contacts: Prof. J.E. Cooper and Prof. P. Weaver
A new fully funded PhD position is open within ACCIS. We seek for a creative and motivated candidate with good analytical skills and a taste for challenging mechanical problems. The research is dedicated to the novel composite architectures obtained by state of the art manufacturing methods: 3D weaving/braiding, embroidery, automatic fibre placement, etc. The complexity of internal fibrous reinforcement is constantly growing. In contrast with the composites obtained by laying-up of unidirectional or 2D textile plies, the elementary building blocks of novel materials are comparable to the component dimensions or do not exist at all. Often these composites are not materials in the traditional sense of a homogeneous or homogenizable medium and, hence, they cannot be handled within standard modelling schemes. New modelling philosophies must be developed.
The goal of the project is the fundamental development of the multi-scale approach for hierarchical non-periodic structures lacking a representative volume element and subjected to damage development. The PhD research contribution will be concentrated on the numerical simulation of the novel composite architectures and experimental validation of the modelling results. Although fundamental in the core, the research has a direct practical relevance. The work is built into the frame of concurrent modelling, experimental and manufacturing studies, includes industrial validation cases, and has a potential for extensive international collaborations.
We are primarily interested in Materials Science or Mechanical Engineering graduates but a related degree (e.g. Engineering Math) can be considered for promising candidates.
The desired start date is 1st September 2012, but we are willing to accept candidates who wish to start earlier.
Further information and application details
Main contact: Dr Dmitry Ivanov
A fully funded 3-year PhD position - The project is financed by the CleanSky EcoDesign Consortium and it will be carried out in collaboration with EADS Innovation Works.
The growing usage of composites in primary airframe structures requires the full characterization and understanding of the effects of environmental factors on the long term durability of fibre reinforced laminates. This is key for the development of next generation “greener” lightweight airframes, which will reduce the impact of aviation on carbon emissions. The goal of the PhD project is to develop robust prediction methods for the strength degradation of fibre-reinforced laminates caused by the exposure of variable temperature and humidity levels. The main challenge is in understanding the synergistic interaction between temperature and humidity effects.
The PhD project will involve an extensive mechanical characterization campaign on environmentally conditioned specimens. The experimental data will be employed to benchmark existing models for strength degradation due to temperature and humidity and to develop new theoretical approaches for predicting the interaction between variable temperature and humidity.
Applicants should have a First or Second Class UK Honours or an equivalent degree in a relevant discipline such as mechanical/aerospace/manufacturing engineering. Knowledge of the mechanics of composite materials is mandatory. Experience in the mechanical characterization of composites and knowledge of Matlab and Labview are desirable.
Funding is available for UK, EU and non-EU candidates. The latter should hold no visa restrictions or have "settled status".
Main contact: Dr Giuliano Allegri
Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Assistant/Associate position based in the Advanced Composites Centre for Innovation and Science (ACCIS). These positions will initiate activities on the recently awarded EPSRC funded Programme Grant "High Performance Ductile Composite Technology – HiPerDuCT".
The vision for HiPerDuCT is to realise a new generation of high performance fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) composites that overcome the key limitation of conventional composites: their inherent lack of ductility. The aim is to design, manufacture and evaluate a range of composite systems with the ability to fail gradually, undergoing large deformations whilst still carrying load. The programme will scope, prioritise, develop, and combine various approaches, to achieve High Performance Ductile Composite Technology (HiPerDuCT).
Contact: Prof. Michael Wisnom
Based in the Department of Aerospace Engineering you will support work in the Advanced Composites Centre for Innovation and Science (ACCIS) under the guidance of the Experimental Composites Research Assistant. You will be tasked with providing advice, support and training to researchers as well as developing, applying and supporting complex and hi-fidelity characterisation and visualisation methods, across current and future research programmes.
You will have an MEng in Engineering/Materials Science (or closely related discipline), a wide knowledge of composites characterisation, and experience of preparing high quality publications/presenting scientific results orally.
The Advanced Composites Centre for Innovation and Science (ACCIS) at the University of Bristol is part of a significant initiative in the area of developing novel composite manufacturing technologies.
If successful, you may be appointed either on a fixed term or a permanent contract depending on the extent of your previous relevant research experience. Further information on fixed term contracts can be found online: University of Bristol fixed term contracts
Grade: Level a in Pathway 2 | Salary: £29,972 - £37,990
Contacts: Prof. Kevin Potter and Dr Julie Etches
This post has been created to strengthen the internationally excellent research and teaching in ACCIS, especially in the mechanical and civil engineering domains. The post will be based in the Queen's School of Engineering which comprises the departments of Civil, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. Particular research areas we would be keen to see prioritised include: fundamental structural or solid mechanics; lightweight composite structures; smart structures; multiphysics modeling; and novel development and use in the built environment, automotive or sports and leisure industries.
You will be expected to contribute to both undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and to supervise students on the EPSRC Composites ACCIS Doctoral Training Centre. The ability to undertake collaborative research with industrial partners is essential.
Contacts: Prof. Paul Weaver and Prof. Michael Wisnom
Flight Refuelling Ltd trading as Cobham Mission Equipment is the world market leader for air-to-air refuelling, providing fifth generation ‘nose to tail’ solutions from the cockpit of the tanker aircraft to the tail of the receiver platform. More than 1,000 systems have been delivered for buddy-buddy refuelling, tactical and strategic tanking for fixed wing aircraft and helicopters, with UAV development well advanced. Through this Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Cobham wishes to investigate the potential for manufacturing an existing product element using composite materials.
You will design, prototype and test different ways of potentially manufacturing existing products/components using composite materials. You will then evaluate the feasibility of using these materials from a business point of view. This will involve working not only with Cobham staff, but also with potential new supply chain companies.
You will be responsible for developing a formal specification for the selected product element as a composite structure, generating a manufacture and test plan, and manufacturing and evaluating prototype test articles. You will then evaluate the business case for producing these test articles and produce a full feasibility study. In addition, you will contribute towards developing a composites strategy at Cobham. Whilst you will spend most of your time in Wimborne, you will also be working in close partnership with the Department of Aerospace Engineering at Bristol.
Salary: £24,000
Contacts: Prof. Kevin Potter and Mr C Mouskis
Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Assistant position to work on a joint project between the Inorganic and Materials Section of the School of Chemistry and the Advanced Composites Centre for Innovation and Science (ACCIS) in the Department of Aerospace Engineering, both at the University of Bristol.
The project concerns the development of innovative microencapsulated chemistries for application in a damage detection coating for a structural material. The work is directly funded by a major industrial partner from the UK Aerospace industry. Throughout the study, close co-operation will be maintained with the industrial partner to ensure processing and fabrication constraints, and underlying performance capability are considered.
You will have a PhD in chemistry or materials science, and expertise in synthetic polymer chemistry. Hands-on experience of modern spectroscopic and other characterisation methods is essential. Experience in microencapsulation is an advantage, as is experience or interest in physical and mechanical testing of polymeric materials. The post will require close interaction with and input to/from the industrial partner. Frequent researcher visits and reciprocal use of facilities are envisaged.
You will need to demonstrate good spoken and written English, have experience preparing high quality publications and presenting scientific results orally, have a proven team working capability, and be enthusiastic and flexible in your work.
This project offers an exciting opportunity to be involved in the development of potentially ground-breaking technology. The position is available from September 2011 (upon appointment), and will initially be funded for 15 months (with a potential renewal for a further three months subject to project outcomes). Salary level will be in accordance with qualifications and experience.
Grade: Level a in Pathway 2 | Salary: £29,972 - £37,990
Contacts: Dr Duncan Wass and Prof. Ian Bond
As part of the Composites University Technology Centre (UTC) supported by Rolls-Royce, there is an exciting opportunity to join a strong team developing state of the art methods for design of composite aircraft engine components. These require complex geometries and fibre architectures both for aerodynamics and structural integration. In service they are likely to see a variety of challenging loading and environmental conditions which risk causing material and structural failure. It is required to experimentally investigate the phenomena leading to composite failure, under both static and fatigue loading. In many cases the standard tests are not truly representative of the in service loading and so development of new methods will be required to investigate behaviour and generate applicable data. This project will run in close collaboration with researchers conducting numerical analysis, and high quality experimental work will be a crucial part of the process of understanding failure required for model development and validation.
Based in the Department of Aerospace Engineering, you will work on the development of experimental techniques, application to materials and geometries relevant to aero engine and reporting on results internally and to the industrial partner. You will have a PhD in Engineering / Materials Science (or closely related discipline) and experience of laboratory testing techniques and composites manufacturing.
If successful, you may be appointed either on a fixed term or a permanent contract depending on the extent of your previous relevant research experience. Further information on fixed term contracts can be found online: University of Bristol fixed term contracts
Grade: Level a - Level b in Pathway 2 | Salary: £29,972 - £37,990
Contacts: Dr Stephen Hallett and Prof. Michael Wisnom
An opportunity has arisen for a funded studentship in the Queen's School of Engineering (comprising the Aerospace, Civil and Mechanical Engineering departments) from October 2011. The successful applicant will study for a PhD and undertake teaching duties within the undergraduate engineering programmes. The 4 year award (worth £21,000 per year) will cover research degree fees at the home/EU rate, a pro-rata PhD stipend, an allowance for PhD-related costs and a part-time teaching support assistant salary.
Applicants should hold (or expect to hold) a first class/good upper second class MEng or an MSc with distinction/merit (or equivalent qualifications) in a relevant discipline.
This post will be based in ACCIS within the new EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacture in Composites. The Centre is a collaboration between the Universities of Bristol, Cranfield, Manchester and Nottingham and is led and managed by the University of Nottingham. The programme as a whole is linked across the four institutions and considerable interchange between them is expected to be a major feature of the programme.
The post is initially funded for two years and the principal activity will be to work on design and manufacturing quality integration. The post will support activity across the four institutions aimed at integrating the outputs of the individual research programmes in the areas of design for manufacture, processing and quality.
Grade: Level a - Level b in Pathway 2 | Salary: £29,972 - £37,990
Contacts: Prof. Kevin Potter
This post will develop new numerical tools for the prediction of failure of composite materials based on a physical understanding of the underlying damage mechanisms. The work will run in close collaboration with researchers conducting experimental testing, which will provide essential information for model generation and validation. High quality numerical analysis will be a crucial part of the process of understanding the failure process in composite materials and structures.
Based in the Advanced Composites Centre for Innovation and Science within the Department of Aerospace Engineering, you will work on development of custom written codes to build complex models, application of commercial finite element software and development of user subroutines, reporting on results internally and to the industrial partner.
You will have a PhD in Engineering / Materials Science (or closely related discipline) and good experience of finite element analysis techniques, programming and composites failure mechanisms.
Contact: Dr Stephen Hallett
Updated 19 April 2013 by Advanced Composites Centre for Innovation and Science
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