Experimental Mechanics: Fully Funded PhD Studentship in Bioprosthetic Design Evaluation Through Experimental-Computational Techniques

Funding providers: Faculty of Science and Engineering and Boston Scientific Ltd. 

Subject areas: Experimental Mechanics, Heart Valves, Digital Image Correlation (DIC), Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV), Biomechanics, Fluid-Structure Interaction 

Project start date: 1 July 2025 

Supervisors:  

• Dr Raoul van Loon, Swansea University
• Dr Hari Arora, Swansea University
• Dr Ewa Klusak, Boston Scientific Ltd.

Aligned programme of study: PhD in Biomedical Engineering 

Mode of study: Full-time 

Project description: 

Heart valve (HV) disease is a major cause of cardiac malfunction with high mortality if left untreated. Over 200,000 patients/year receive bioprosthetic HV replacements, which exhibit superior haemodynamic behaviour and enable transcatheter replacements. However, the material and geometric design of these highly flexible structures is extremely challenging. A detailed understanding of HV loading and the corresponding mechanical strains and stresses is essential to ensure device longevity (37million cardiac cycles per year!), whilst ensuring optimal cardiovascular function for the patient. This project proposes to integrate state-of-the-art image-based measurement techniques with computational models for a holistic characterisation of HV fluid-structure interaction behaviour. The HVs will be tested in a pulsatile flow mock loop that simulates cardiovascular flow and pressure waveforms. The PhD student will exploit a combination of digital image correlation (DIC) and particle image velocimetry (PIV) methods to robustly characterise the biomechanical behaviour of the HVs. DIC is a non-contact optical measurement technique that can capture full-field displacement and strain on HVs. DIC is highly adaptable and is widely applied in mechanical testing when complex, non-uniform strain fields are expected and where point-based measurements or hard-wired gauges are impractical and insufficient. A multi-camera setup will be used to accurately capture detailed strain fields where the HV rotates and deforms from closed to open state and back. The 4D PIV system will also allow dynamic coherent flow structures to be captured, enabling a more complete view on valve performance. A computational workflow may be integrated alongside these experiments to create a powerful framework to aid future design development. 

In situ mechanical testing with any imaging techniques has its own challenges in immersed conditions, e.g., optical distortions. The Team at the Biomedical Engineering Simulation & Testing Lab (BEST Lab), led by Dr Arora and Dr van Loon, are actively pushing the boundaries of DIC, as well as particle image velocimetry (PIV) and digital volume correlation (DVC) amongst other image-based experimental mechanics methods. Measurements in challenging conditions are a focus of the Team for >15 years. The challenge of combined imaging methods may require bespoke and novel solutions to the imaging setup. Challenges with strain corrections due to variable distortions, pattern durability, application compatibility and technique effectiveness under controlled cardiovascular flow loading need to be pursued in this studentship. Such challenges working in complex measurement environments and translation from the lab to industrial applications have been performed by the Team over the years. This project will contribute to extending this capability, developing novel measurements with close collaboration with the industrial partner.  

The BEST Lab forges a synergy of computational and experimental expertise to deliver fundamental insight, novel technologies, and translational research solutions. The BEST Lab provides a space for interdisciplinary researchers to grow ideas from concept through to manufacture, instrumentation, and testing, alongside advanced computational mechanics, machine learning, and data analytics workflows. For more information on the facilities, a virtual tour is available. The dynamic group (>20 PGR students and Research Staff) leverages expertise in both simulation and testing to deliver high-quality research outputs, as well as services and products, to meet the unique needs of our collaborators in industry. Therefore, there will be scope for the student to gain wider skills to work between teams in virtual testing and modelling alongside the experimental research focus. The Space can host equipment and people for specific projects to ensure translation of research methods from university to industry.  

The sponsoring company, Boston Scientific Ltd., will be engaged throughout in developing ideas and applications with regular reporting expected throughout the project by the successful candidate. Collaborating research groups and stakeholders from across disciplines will regularly engage throughout the studentship to broaden the development opportunities of the candidate. By the end of the project, the candidate will have acquired a portfolio of skills and external collaborators that will provide a strong footing for future careers in either academia or industry. There is a wide range of expertise within the BEST Lab to support on specialist topics in this project as well as interdisciplinary skills development of the successful candidate.

Eligibility

Applicants for PhD must hold an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level (or Non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University) in Engineering or similar relevant science discipline. We also welcome applications from graduates in computational science or mathematics.

International Students

Swansea University is pleased to offer the Swansea University International Postgraduate Research Excellence Scholarship (SUIPRES). This is a competitively awarded Scholarship open to overseas PhD and Professional Doctorate applicants eligible for the international rate of tuition fees who can demonstrate excellence in academic achievement.   

The SUIPRES Scholarship covers the difference between the International and the Home tuition fee for the duration of the PhD/Professional Doctorate programme. Successful candidates will be charged fees aligned to the UK rate per year, this is £4,786 for 2024/5 increasing annually in line with UKRI (United Kingdom Research and Innovation), usually 3%. The scholarship will be offset against your tuition fee liability  

All International applications will be considered for a SUIPRES Scholarship. You will be informed whether a SUIPRES Scholarship will be offered within your offer letter.