PhD Studentship: Combined mechanical response of advanced porous materials for body support interfaces

Project title: Combined mechanical response of advanced porous materials for body support interfaces  

Supervisory Team: Dr Andrew R. Hamilton, Prof. Liudi Jiang; Dr Pete Worsley

Project description

Interface materials between the body and external supports play a consequential role in determining the mechanical loading that the body will experience. Intensive and prolonged mechanical loading (pressure, shear) at body interfaces can cause soft tissue damage and chronic wounds, i.e. pressure ulcers, which can affect quality of life for many patients in the general field of prosthetics and orthotics (P&O), including prosthetic socket interfaces and special seating for wheelchair users. Typically, soft elastomer foams are used as cushioning interface materials to help distribute loading and reduce the levels of pressure and shear that can lead to damage and injury.

This project will focus on mechanically characterising porous materials under combined pressure and shear loading to determine the effect of complex combined loading on mechanical response, and thus load transfer to soft tissue in the body. Additive manufacturing (a.k.a. 3D printing) techniques will be used to manufacture porous elastomer materials with controlled pore geometry in order to assess the effects on combined mechanical properties and inform the design of better interface materials that can help to prevent tissue damage and injuries.

Suitable applicants will have an undergraduate degree in an engineering or scientific discipline with a strong background in mechanics of materials. Knowledge or experience in related fields such as mechanical testing, mechanics of porous materials, biomechanics of soft tissue, etc. is desirable. Interested applicants are encouraged to contact Dr Andrew R. Hamilton at a.r.hamilton@soton.ac.uk for more information.

This is primarily an Engineering project aimed for potential patient benefit. It will be run as part of the Centre for Doctoral Training in Prosthetics and Orthotics (https://www.salford.ac.uk/centre-for-doctoral-training-in-prosthetics-and-orthotics). The successful candidate will have access to unique training program and engage with students from multidisciplinary backgrounds. The student will also be supported by a supervisory team with multidisciplinary expertise in this field and well-equipped facilities.

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Dr Andrew R. Hamilton, Engineering Materials Research Group, Email: a.r.hamilton@soton.ac.uk.

Entry Requirements

A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent).

Closing date: applications should be received no later than 31 August 2023 for standard admissions, but later applications may be considered depending on the funds remaining in place.

Funding: For UK students, Tuition Fees and a stipend of £17,668 tax-free per annum for up to 4 years.

How To Apply

Apply online: Search for a Postgraduate Programme of Study (soton.ac.uk). Select programme type (Research), 2023/24, Faculty of Physical Sciences and Engineering, next page select “PhD Engineering & Environment (Full time)”. In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor Andrew R. Hamilton

Applications should include:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Two reference letters
• Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date

For further information please contact: feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk

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