Computational MultiPhysics Analysis of 3D Structural Damage and Failure
Federation University is pleased to offer a PhD scholarship in the area of Computational MultiPhysics.
Scholarship details
Stipend: $32,212 per annum
Project support: $3,000 per annum
RTP Fee-offset Scholarship / Tuition Fee Scholarship: $30,240 per annum
Funding length: 3 years (only, no extensions permitted)
Location: Mount Helen, Ballarat
Eligibility
Scholarship applicants must be eligible to undertake a PhD. Verify you can meet eligibility requirements outlined on the Graduate Research School website. If you are applying for ‘Honours equivalence,’ please ensure that you provide detailed information to support your case.
Applicants must possess the following knowledge, skills and experience:
- Development of numerical methods for application in computational structural analysis, e.g., finite element method, meshless method, boundary element method, scaled boundary finite element method.
- Programming numerical methods for computational structural analysis. Familiarity with Matlab, Python, C++ will be required
Applicants can demonstrated knowledge, skills and experience in their application in the units completed in undergraduate/postgraduate degrees, thesis, publications or internships
Applications will be accepted from Australian residents, permanent residents, and international applicants.
Applicants should contact Associate Professor Ooi Ean Tat prior to submitting an application.
Application closing date: 31 JUL 2024
How to apply: Applicants must submit their application with all necessary documents by completing the HDR Candidature application
Commencement date: To be negotiated
Research project details
Project title: Computational MultiPhysics Analysis of 3D Structural Damage and Failure
Engineered structures e.g. buildings, pipelines, transport infrastructure, and commercial hubs form the backbone of economic prosperity and community safety in modern society. These structures play a critical role in ensuring the smooth functioning of various communal systems. Their continued operation is essential for the progress of society.
Physical changes resulting from climate change, such as more frequent extreme weather events and shifts in temperature and precipitation patterns, pose significant risks to the reliability of structures. Such types of phenomena can cause damage and even failure, leading to unplanned capital and operational expenditure. This undermines the long-term reliability of structures, which can have significant implications for the economy and the community's safety. Thus, it is vital to invest in initiatives and develop capabilities that can help to mitigate the impact of climate change on engineered structures.
Climate resilience and adaptation of structures are vital for sustainable structural engineering. The design, strategic planning and management of structures must account for damage and failure from both mechanical loadings and Multiphysics processes. The latter involves a structure's interaction with the environment e.g. temperature and precipitation. The analysis of these complex phenomena requires the application of advanced computer modelling techniques.
This research aims to develop innovative and rational techniques for 3D MultiPhysics modelling of structural damage and failure based on an advanced numerical method viz., the scaled boundary finite element method (SBFEM). This truly-adaptive approach is capable of automatically selecting appropriate models to represent the damage zone and adjusting the mesh to evolving 3D failure surfaces. The outcome of the research is a technique for engineering analysis that enables rational assessment and improved due diligence in the risk management of structural damage and failure over an asset’s entire life-cycle, from design to operation. Ultimately, this will reduce operational vulnerability and improve the reliability and safety of structural systems.
Supervisors:
Principal Supervisor: Associate Professor Ooi Ean Tat
E-mail: e.ooi@federation.edu.au
Tel: +61(0)423641822
Associate and Co-Supervisors: To be confirmed