Fully Funded PhD Studentship: New Generation of High-performance Joining Technologies for Glass to Frame Interfaces

Overview:

• Subject area: Engineering and Materials Science
• Start date: May 2023 or as soon as possible thereafter
• Closing application date: 15^th March
• Duration of Contract: 3 years

Project outline:  

The use of architectural glazing increased substantially over the last decades, evolving from infill panels to structural load bearing elements. Structural glass components typically require adhesive or mechanical connections however, these are often inefficient or difficult to disassemble at the end of their life, limiting their potential for recycling or re-use.

As a PhD student working on this project, you will seek to develop a new generation of high performance and environmentally friendly, adhesive connections for bonding glass to frame materials to outperform existing joining technologies.

Research will involve macroscale and microscale investigation for manufacturing the bonded composite units and optimizing the bond. The ultimate goal is to produce composite units that offer efficient use of materials, enhanced structural performance (stiffness, lightness and robustness), ease of manufacturing and disassembly at their end of their life, whilst maximising transparency and ensuring long term performance. Outputs of the research are expected to unlock the potential of joining technologies in the architectural, construction and marine industries. 

Supervisors:

• Principal Supervisor: Dr Corinna Datsiou (k.c.datsiou@herts.ac.uk)
• Supervisory Team: Dr Yiding Liu

Entry requirements:

Essential:

• A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent) in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science or a closely related discipline.
• Proficiency in both spoken and written English. For candidates whose first language is not English, a certification of English language competence (with a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent) is mandatory.
• Ability to work collaboratively and manage time independently to meet deadlines.
• Problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• A driven, professional and independent work attitude.

Desirable:

• An MSc or MEng degree in a relevant discipline.
• Familiarity with structural glass and joining technologies.
• Demonstrated ability in experimental work or willingness to learn.
• FEA modelling skills.
• High impact journal or conference publications.

Eligibility:

The studentship is open to UK/EU and international applicants.

How to apply:

For informal enquires please contact Dr Corinna Datsiou (k.c.datsiou@herts.ac.uk).

Please click on the ‘Apply’ button to be redirected to our website to download and complete the Application Form.

Together with your application form, please also submit:

• a CV
• a research proposal not exceeding 1 A4 page
• 2 reference letters
• Qualification certificates and transcripts

Please email your application form and supporting document to Ms Amy Bird at doctoralcollegeadmissions@herts.ac.uk

Interviews are expected to take place on the w/c 22nd March or as soon as thereafter.

Funding information:

This PhD position is fully funded for UK, EU and international students. The studentship is for 3 years and covers the full cost of tuition fees and an annual tax-free stipend at the UKRI rate (currently £18,622 for 2023/24).

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