PhD Studentship in Development of FEA models for estimating fatigue life of high performance running shoes

Applications are invited for a research studentship in the field of Mechanics of Materials leading to the award of a PhD degree.

The aim of this research is to develop FEA simulations that can answer the question of how long a running shoe will last. The developed simulations will enable cost efficient virtual tests to be performed. The focus is on foam materials with varying relative densities. To develop design tools for longer lasting shoes with increased fatigue (product) life, you will be performing simulations at two length scales: a) Microscale: a micromechanical model of the foam architecture to obtain homogenised bulk properties, and b) Macroscale: a simulation of the shoe during running (one cycle and multi-cycles). The microscale model will be informed through imaging studies of the foams through x-ray micro tomography using computerised tomography (CT). The reconstructed 3D geometries will be meshed to perform finite element (FE) simulations to derive predictions of the mechanical properties of the foam. The simulations will be validated through macroscopic coupon test experiments. You will then perform virtual tests of the shoe at the macroscale. The boundary conditions in this case will need to be obtained from literature on the biomechanics of running. In both scale simulations, emphasis will be given on determining and calibrating the right constitutive models such that progressive damage of the material is enabled. Challenges will need to be met regarding alleviating mesh sensitivity of results inherent in damage models and simulating fatigue loading within reasonable computational running times.

You will be an enthusiastic and self-motivated person who meets the academic requirements for enrolment for the PhD degree at Imperial College London. You will have a 1st or 2:1 class honours degree in mechanical engineering, physics, mathematics, or a related subject, and an enquiring and rigorous approach to research together with a strong intellect and disciplined work habits. An interest in Mechanics of Materials is essential.

To find out more about research at Imperial College London in this area, go to:

https://www.imperial.ac.uk/mechanical-engineering/research/

This post is supported by a bursary and fees at the UK student rate provided by the research collaborators, On. As a result of the industrial funding, this studentship will attract a higher bursary than the usual EPSRC student rate. Open literature publication is encouraged, and funding is included for attending international scientific conferences. The student will spend some time embedded at On in Zürich, Switzerland, gaining valuable experience of industrial research.  

For further details of the post contact Prof Maria Charalambides .@imperial.ac.uk  +44 (0)20 75947246 or Dr Soraia Pimenta soraia.pimenta@imperial.ac.uk . Interested applicants should send an up-to-date curriculum vitae to Prof Charalambides. Suitable candidates will be required to complete an electronic application form at Imperial College London in order for their qualifications to be addressed by College Registry.

For information on how to apply, go to:

http://www.imperial.ac.uk/mechanical-engineering/study/phd/how-to-apply/

Closing date: until post filled