EPSRC FIBE2 CDT Studentship with StructureMode: New one-dimensional models and application to the design of reconfigurable pop-up structures
University of Cambridge
Nonprofit organization, Browse similar opportunities
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Nonprofit organization, Browse similar opportunities
This is a four-year (1+3 MRes/PhD) studentship funded through the Cambridge EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Future Infrastructure and Built Environment: Resilience in a Changing World (FIBE2 CDT). The FIBE2 CDT aims to develop the next generation of infrastructure professionals who can create, shape and deliver the national vision for UK infrastructure, who will be equipped with a versatile and cross-disciplinary skill set to meet the most complex emerging challenges and contribute effectively to better infrastructure decision-making in the UK. Further details can be found at https://www.fibe-cdt.eng.cam.ac.uk/
The project is funded in collaboration with StructureMode: a leading London-based firm of structural engineers at the cutting edge of novel, sustainable and innovative structural systems with unique expertise and experience in practice-based research and testing. They are world leaders in fabric formwork for casting reinforced concrete and lightweight tensile and tensegrity structures.
The climate emergency triggers the development of novel systems that optimize structural performance while minimizing material and manufacturing costs. Reconfigurable structures are particularly interesting as they are manufactured off-site and offer the possibility of adaptive designs for multi-purpose applications. We focus on tape-springs which are promising candidates for the design of reconfigurable structures as they undergo a complete change of shape upon folding. They can be coiled onto a spool, which allows the length of the members to be adjusted. Designing a structure made of tape-springs is a challenge. It is classically achieved via computationally expensive finite element simulations, which makes the exploration of the design space intractable.
We will develop a 1-dimensional (1-d) model starting from a nonlinear shell theory by dimension reduction. By contrast to existing approaches based on approximate kinematics, we will use an asymptotic method and hence ensure the accuracy of the final 1-d theory. This will involve solving a series of boundary value problems on a cross-section. We will work on an efficient numerical method to achieve these computations and on its integration in a user-friendly numerical framework. We will use this new modelling tool to design a reconfigurable structure made of tape-springs. This step will include addressing practical challenges raised by the design, such as investigating end effects, assessing the overall stability of the structure and predicting its load capacity and buckling mechanism.
This project will result in an efficient and accurate modelling tool for thin reconfigurable shell structures and thus improve the understanding of the nonlinear behaviour of these systems. Investigating proof-of-concept practical solutions for junctions and deployment mechanisms will also be an important step towards integrating these structures quickly into real world structural applications. For general enquiries, please email cdtcivil-courseadmin@eng.cam.ac.uk . For project-specific enquiries please e-mail Dr Claire Lestringant [casl4@cam.ac.uk ]
Applicants should have (or expect to obtain by the start date) at least a good 2.1 degree in a Bachelors or Masters in Civil Engineering or Mechanical Engineering. A good knowledge and experience of mechanics or physics. Knowledge in plate/shell theory and calculus will be useful but is not mandatory.
The FIBE2 CDT studentships are fully-funded (fees and maintenance) for eligible UK students. EU and international students will be considered for partial funding (home-level fees and maintenance) from the CDT as part of their application and if selected, will be put forward for funding from the Cambridge Trust for the home-overseas fee difference (which will be awarded at the Cambridge Trust's discretion).
Further details about eligibility and funding can be found at: https://epsrc.ukri.org/skills/students/help/eligibility/ https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/finance/fees https://www.cambridgetrust.org/scholarships/
To apply for this studentship, candidates must apply through the University's Graduate Admissions application portal. The portal is at: https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/egegpdfib and there is a £70 fee for PhD applications, with project New one-dimensional Models and Application to the Design of Reconfigurable Pop-up Structures quoted on the form and Dr Claire Lestringant identified as the potential supervisor.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
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