Modelling of Timber and Hybrid Structures for Automotive Crash Analysis and Optimisation
Eligibility: UK/International (including EU) graduates with the required entry requirements
Duration: Full-Time – between three and three and a half years fixed term
Application deadline: 15 January 2025
Interview date: Will be confirmed to shortlisted candidates
Start date: May 2025
For further details contact: Jesper Christensen
Introduction
The use of timber in automotive structures is nothing new, but has been limited in favour of materials with more “consistent” mechanical characteristics such as metals and fibrous materials. However, in the search for light and perhaps more importantly, environmentally friendly structures the need for sustainable materials such as timber is on the increase. Research projects, such as Material and Process Applications for Road and Rail Vehicles, and this PhD is an important step to unlock the next stages if such materials is to become more widely used particularly in areas such as automotive crashworthiness.
As with most state-of-the-art development work robust and validated numerical models which can be used as a basis for “inexpensive” yet trailblazing developments is pivotal. Existing numerical methods for timber structures originate mostly from civil engineering and can only be used with heavy modifications for automotive typical load cases such as crash. Nevertheless, compromises and concessions must be made in terms of accuracy and applicability. This results in excessive calibration and validation procedures for every adaption in the development process of the structures as well as for changing load cases and wood species.
Project details
The motivation of this PhD is to develop a robust simulation framework which reliably captures the main failure mechanisms in vehicle structures under the governing loading conditions.
The aim of the PhD is to define and verify a rigorous and robust Finite Element model, methodology and/or framework specifically for timber and hybrid timber material compositions for automotive crashworthiness analysis and optimisation. The model/methodology should capture the governing material failure mechanisms of wood as well as the influence of specific material properties e.g. the influence of wood density which is the main difference of different wood species.
Funding
Tuition fees
Benefits
The successful candidate will receive comprehensive research training including technical, personal and professional skills. All researchers at Coventry University (from PhD to Professor) are part of the Doctoral Researcher College, which provides support with high-quality training and career development activities.
Entry requirements
- A minimum of a 2:1 first degree in a relevant discipline/subject area with a minimum 60% mark in the project element or equivalent with a minimum 60% overall module average.
PLUS
- The potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within 3.5 years.
- A minimum of English language proficiency (IELTS academic overall minimum score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component).
Additional requirements
The scientific work will be conducted at DLR in the institute of vehicle concepts in Stuttgart (Germany). The position therefore requires stays in the UK and travelling between the two institutions.
How to apply
To find out more about applying for the project, please contact Jesper Christensen
All applications require full supporting documentation, a covering letter, plus a 2000-word supporting statement showing how the applicant’s expertise and interests are relevant to the project.
