PhD Studentship: EPSRC DTP Studentship - Modelling Soil-Machine Interaction for Advances in Civil Construction and Terrestrial Robotics

The project will establish a physical laboratory and theoretical techniques that will shape new research at the interface of geomechanics and robotics at the University of Cambridge, launching an integrated program dedicated specifically to the study of Soil-Machine Interaction (SMI). Humans move, manipulate, and interact with terrain on a massive scale - for civil construction, mobility, agriculture, and mining. In what ways will advances in mechatronics revolutionize the machines used in these applications? The project focuses on exploring the deformations and forces involved as machine components come into contact with soft terrain, focusing primarily on deformation with the terrain itself. The studentship provides considerable latitude in defining the specific aims of the project. Creative individuals with interests in physical experiments, theory, and/or numerical simulation are encouraged to apply, irrespective of degree or background. For additional information about the PI and links to related media and publications, please visit www.jimhambleton.com.

Applicants should have (or expect to obtain by the start date) at least a good 2.1 degree in Engineering or a related subject.

EPSRC DTP studentships are fully-funded (fees and maintenance) for students eligible for Home fees. Full eligibility criteria can be found via the following link; https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/finance/fees/what-my-fee-status

To apply for this studentship, please send your CV and a document with names and contact information for two referees to James Hambleton (jh631@cam.ac.uk) no later than 5 April 2024. Applications may close early if the position is filled before this date.

Please note that any offer of funding will be conditional on securing a place as a PhD student. Candidates will need to apply separately for admission through the University's Graduate Admissions application portal (https://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/egegpdpeg). Candidates also need to have submitted a full application through the application portal no later than 5 April 2024.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

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