PhD Research Studentships

EPSRC iCASE #studentship in Modelling of elastomer composites operating in extreme conditions

Supervisor:	James BUSFIELD
Apply by:	30 April 2021

Description

EPSRC iCASE #studentship in Modelling of elastomer composites operating in extreme conditions

This is a collaboration between #Schlumberger and #QMUL to develop predictive lifetime models for elastomer composites used in geothermal drilling operations. The successful applicant will have an annual £20,000 stipend for 4 years.

Advanced drilling involves the deployment of sophisticated technologies capable of surviving extreme conditions. All the materials and in particular the elastomer composites are pushed to their physical limits. Improving their performance and life requires a precise understanding of their physical and mechanical behaviour during operation. Innovative solutions will translate these changes into constitutive models used to perform numerical simulations.

During this study, the numerical and modelling work will take place in the highly experienced QMUL Soft Matter Group. This group offers outstanding cross industry expertise in polymer and elastomer materials. The materials behaviour and the validation of the modelling will be performed both at QMUL and in Schlumberger’s state of the art analytical and mechanical characterisation research facility in Cambridge. The candidate will acquire unique knowledge, characterisation and modelling skills allowing them to work in a very wide range of innovation technologies around the world.

The applicant must be a UK national with chemistry, chemical engineering, engineering or materials science background. The project will comprise of experimental studies at QMUL (supervised by Prof James Busfield) and at Schlumberger Cambridge Research facility (supervised by Dr Julien Ramier).

EPSRC Research Studentship Details

To be eligible for a full award (stipend and fees) applicants must have:

Full Time programme only
Applicant required to start: 20 September 2021
The studentship arrangement will cover tuition fees and provide an annual stipend for up to four years (Currently set as £20,000 for 2020/21).
The minimum requirement for this studentship opportunity is a good Honours degree (minimum 2(i) honours or equivalent) or MSc/MRes in a relevant discipline.

Supervisor Contact Details:

For informal enquiries about this position, please contact Prof James Busfield

Tel: 020 7882 8866

E-mail: j.busfield@qmul.ac.uk

Application Method:

To apply for this studentship and for entry on to the Materials Science programme (Full Time) please follow the instructions detailed on the following webpage:

Research degrees in Materials:

http://www.qmul.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/subjects/materials.html

Further Guidance: http://www.qmul.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/

Please be sure to include a reference to ‘2020 SEMS EPSRC CASE2 JJCB’ to associate your application with this studentship opportunity.

Eligibility

The minimum requirement for this studentship opportunity is a good honours degree (minimum 2(i) honours or equivalent) or MSc/MRes in a relevant discipline.
If English is not your first language, you will require a valid English certificate equivalent to IELTS 6.5+ overall with a minimum score of 6.0 in Writing and 5.5 in all sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking).
Candidates are expected to start in (Semester ).
SEMS and Principal-funded studentships: this studentship arrangement covers home tuition fees and provides an annual stipend for up to three years (currently set at the 2023/24 stipend rate of £20,622 pa)
Note that Queen Mary Research Studentships cover home-rated tuition fees only (See: www.welfare.qmul.ac.uk/money/feestatus/ for details)
Overseas applicants would be required to meet the difference between home and international tuition fees

Contact

For informal enquiries about this opportunity, please contact James BUSFIELD.