PhD Studentship: Impact-resistant meta-structures under stochastic multiple impact

Project title: Impact-resistant meta-structures under stochastic multiple impact  

Supervisory Team: Dr Susmita Naskar (60%), Dr Tanmoy Mukhopadhyay (40%)

Project description:

Active mechanical metamaterials can be designed to enhance the performance of body armors and vehicle Armor. These materials can dynamically adjust their stiffness and energy absorption properties in response to the impact, providing superior protection against varying types of threats. For instance, an armor composed of these metamaterials could stiffen instantly upon detecting an incoming projectile, dispersing the energy more effectively and reducing the likelihood of penetration. This research project aims to investigate the behavior and design of impact-resistant meta-structures specifically tailored to withstand the effects of spatially and temporally random multiple strikes.

The project will focus on understanding the dynamic response of meta-structures subjected to multiple impacts, analyzing the material properties required for effective impact resistance, and developing optimized structural designs to mitigate damage and enhance overall structural resilience. The findings of this research will contribute to the development of robust and reliable meta-structures for developing adaptive armors which will aim to provide superior protection against a range of threats by instantly modifying their properties upon impact, dispersing energy more effectively, and reducing the likelihood of penetration.

Funding for this project is offered by the Centre for Doctoral Training in Complex Integrated Systems for Defence & Security (CISDnS), which will recruit motivated and inquisitive candidates across the themes of Digital, Physical and Biological systems to provide a diverse and interconnected cohort training environment. As well as carrying out research training in a world-leading research group, membership of CISDnS will provide the opportunity for you to be exposed and trained to handle the interdisciplinary challenges faced in the real-world via a Systems Thinking approach. You will learn about the wider challenges of research and innovation within the Defence & Security sector from both your peers and the numerous industry partners supporting the Centre. 

This PhD studentship is open only to UK applicants. This project is suitable for applicants with in structural mechanics or materials. We welcome applicants onto the CDT from underrepresented groups.

If you wish to discuss any further details of the project informally, please contact Dr Susmita Naskar, Email: S.Naskar@soton.ac.uk 

To discuss aspect related to the CISDnS CDT please contact the directorate, Email cisdns@soton.ac.uk

Entry Requirements

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

Closing date: 30th June 2024.  Applications will be considered in the order that they are received, the position will be considered filled when a suitable candidate has been identified.

Funding: Full-time studentships will cover UK course fees and an enhanced tax-free stipend of approx. £23,500 per year for 4 years along with a substantial budget for research, travel, and centre activities. A number of studentships are available and will be awarded on a rolling basis, so you are encouraged to apply early for the best opportunity to be considered.

How To Apply

Apply online:  HERE Select programme type (Research), 2024/25, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, next page select “PhD Integrated PhD in Complex Integrated Systems for Defence and Security (Full time)”. In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor Susmita Naskar

Applications should include:

Curriculum Vitae

Two reference letters

Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date

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

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