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  Digital twins of engineering structural systems for optimal performance and sustainability

Cardiff University

About the Project

Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey in the field of computational mechanics, digital twins and artificial intelligence for engineering structures? Cardiff University, a prestigious institution renowned for its cutting-edge research and innovation, is excited to announce four available PhD positions within our world-leading research group focused on Physics-Informed Digital Twins for Structural Infrastructure. The following range of topics are within the scope of this PhD student call –

Computational Mechanics: Developing advanced numerical methods and simulations to model complex structural behaviours.

Structural Modelling for Sustainable Infrastructure: Developing high-fidelity models and surrogate maps of physical structures to forecast their performance across different conditions, promoting the design of greener and more efficient structures.

AI and ML within Bayesian UQ framework: Integrating AI and ML techniques with Bayesian methods to improve predictive accuracy and uncertainty quantification in structural analysis and decision-making.

Cyberphysical systems for SHM: Cyberphysical systems enhanced by edge computing enables real-time structural health monitoring (SHM) to advance predictive maintenance strategies for greater infrastructure resilience.

Research Environment

Our research group is at the forefront of physics-informed digital twins – integrating advanced computational mechanics with artificial intelligence and machine learning to revolutionize the way we understand and maintain structural infrastructure. We are dedicated to developing physics-informed digital twins that provide real-time insights into the performance and health of critical structures, ensuring safety and efficiency in civil engineering and aerospace applications.

Our interdisciplinary team collaborates closely with leading aerospace industry partners and civil structure maintenance companies, ensuring that our research is not only innovative but also directly applicable to real-world challenges. By joining our group, you will have the opportunity to work on world-class projects that push the boundaries of technology, opportunities of outstanding professional skill development aligned with the much-coveted EPSRC’s Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) and contribute to the future of lifecycle management of critical structures.

Learning and Development Opportunities

World-Class Facilities: Benefit from state-of-the-art laboratories on physics-informed digital twins, EPSRC supported Sustainable transport CDT (Centre for Doctoral Training) and resources that support innovative research.

Collaborative Environment: Engage with a diverse team of experts and industry partners, fostering a culture of collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Career Development: Our group actively encourages PhD students to apply for competitive funding opportunities. The supervision team is committed to working closely with you to develop applications for prestigious international scholarships, enhancing your academic and professional profile.

The student will benefit from an excellent research training environment provided by the Computational Mechanics and Engineering AI research group at Cardiff University’s School of Engineering. The student will receive training on fabrication of composite panels and undertaking vibration, modal analysis and acousto-ultrasonic experiments on the same. The use of high performance computing facilities will provided at Cardiff. The student will benefit from participation to international conferences and visits to academic partners. Also, close interactions with industry partners will be involved during the course of the PhD research.

The wide range of professional development courses available in Cardiff will equip the student with a wide range of skills ranging from project management to research methodology and use of advanced software. The student is expected to produce high quality journal articles for scientific publication during the course of his/her PhD and will be expected to participate and present his/her research in international conferences.

Academic Criteria

Candidates should hold or expect to gain a first or upper second-class honours (or their equivalent) in Civil/Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering or Computer Science/Physics/Mathematics or a related subject, or a masters degree. Optional – Previous laboratory or field experience would be advantageous

Applications are invited from highly motivated individuals with a strong background and

.A passion for research and a desire to tackle complex problems in structures.

.Proficiency in programming and computational tools relevant to mechanics and/or AI.

.Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

.Willingness to apply for competitive graduate funding for PhD studies

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent)

Contact for further information

·        Dr Abhishek Kundu  (co-foudner of physics-informed digital twins lab)

·        Prof Carol Featherston  (Research theme leader – Sustainable Transport and leader of the Interdisciplinary Doctoral Training Hub on Sustainable Transport)

How to apply

Please submit a copy of your CV and a personal statement detailing your potential area of research.

To help us track our recruitment effort, please indicate in your email – cover/motivation letter where (theacademicjob.com) you saw this job posting.

Source: https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/digital-twins-of-engineering-structural-systems-for-optimal-performance-and-sustainability/?p182938