Closing Date
Tuesday 24 February 2026
Reference
ENG292
Fully Funded PhD Studentship: Micromechanics of Grain-Interface Interactions (Soil-Structure Interaction)
Background
Are abrasive grains truly "indestructible"? Research in our leading experimental lab is challenging the traditional view of soil-structure interaction (SSI). This project will investigate the critical role of changing particle shape on material wear and elevated stress transfer during continuous shearing, which impacts wind turbine foundations, underground pipelines, pharmaceutical manufacture, among others. Sand is the most ubiquitous engineering material on earth, yet research cannot fully explain the interaction between sand and structural materials as they shear and cause abrasion.
This lack of understanding affects all granular problems, and so the applicant does not necessarily require formal education in geotechnics.
Applicants with a background in mechanical/materials engineering or alternatively mathematics/computer science with an interest in numerical modelling are welcome to apply as well as civil engineering graduates with a focus on soil mechanics/geotechnics.
Skills you'll gain
Under the supervision of Charlie Heron and myself you will gain:
- Expert knowledge of experimental modelling challenges and solutions.
- Advanced programming/data analysis and simulation skills.
- How to effectively communicate complex and novel research.
- Opportunities to develop lab demonstration/teaching experience.
- The confidence to deal with uncertainty and tackle any problem without a defined final answer.
Desirable Skills (an advantage, not a requirement)
- Data analysis skills in python.
- Granular mechanics (geotechnics).
- Numerical modelling.
Eligibility
This studentship is available for UK nationals, or in exceptional circumstances international applicants where the candidate has a strong application.
This position is fully funded for 3.5 years tuition and includes a tax free UKRI stipend of approximately £20,780. After a suitable candidate is found, funding is then sought from the University of Nottingham as part of a competitive process
Interested applicants can find out more by contacting me via email. Send me a message at angus.pettey1@nottingham.ac.uk with the subject line "Interface Micromechanics PhD".
