PhD Studentship - (Truly) Multiscale Simulations of Polymer Crystallization

The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Modelling of Heterogeneous Systems (HetSys) training programme is designed to enable students to become high-quality computational scientists who are comfortable working in interdisciplinary environments, have excellent communication skills, and are well prepared for a wide range of future careers in areas where there is demonstrable need.

The four-year training programme consists of PhD project and integrated taught modules, leading to the award of a postgraduate diploma.

We are looking for enthusiastic students from across the physical sciences who enjoy using their mathematical skills and thinking flexibly to solve complex problems. We require at least a 2(i) honours degree at BSc or an integrated masters degree (e.g. MPhys, MChem, MSci, MEng etc.) in a physical sciences, mathematics or engineering discipline.

https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/hetsys/projects/2021/

(Truly) Multiscale Simulations of Polymer Crystallization

Understanding the crystallisation of polymers is crucial to improve their functional properties. For instance, the strength-to-weight ratio of Kevlar depends on its degree of crystallinity, which impacts its usage in composite materials such as F1 chassis. However, the current theoretical frameworks for the crystallisation kinetics of polymers suffer from severe limitations when dealing with non-isothermal conditions or the presence of nucleating agent. This project seeks to break new ground by using multi-scale simulations (from molecular dynamic simulations to lattice models) to build a machine learning model for predicting the non-isothermal crystallisation of heterogeneous polymer mixtures.

Funding

HetSys provides funding for the four-year programme to UK students.

We expect a small number of fully funded international places to be available on a competitive basis to exceptional students of any citizenship. Applications must be submitted by 21 January 2021.

Please see the website for further information: https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/hetsys/apply/

The studentships pay a stipend to cover maintenance as well as paying the university fees and research training support. The stipend is at the standard UKRI rate (for 2020/21 that is £15,285 per annum).

Advert information