Stipend: This post will fully cover university tuition and provide a tax-free stipend for UK students of £19,000 per year.
Closing date for applications: Friday 29th May 2020
Start date: 28th September 2020 (contract duration 4 years)
This project will undertake a novel experimental programme to understand how repeated transient pressure waves of low and medium amplitude cause degradation of pipes and joints by processes akin to a fatigue mechanism. By combing high quality experiments in the new ICAIR facility with analysis of previously collected real world transient data the project will determine mechanisms through which transients can cause and increase leakage. The derived understanding will have a transformative impact by enabling water companies to highlight problematic transients and mitigate them in their systems. The laboratory tests required as part of the project will be undertaken in the world unique ICAIR research facility at the University of Sheffield, making use of the pressurised pipe facilities and capability of undertaking controlled laboratory experiments on real scale buried pipes. The project proposal is supported by UKWIR (ukwir.org) as part of their Zero leakage Big Question.
The research programme to be completed in this project will be undertaken as part of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Water Infrastructure and Resilience (CDT WIRe). CDT WIRe is a collaboration between the three leading UK Universities in water resilient infrastructure. Students will benefit from a bespoke training scheme delivered by world leading experts from academia and industry, access to world leading experimental and computational facilities as well as close and regular contact with industry and end user partners. CDT WIRe is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community, and offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies. For further information on the CDT WIRe scheme visit the web site at: cdtwire.com
The project will be supervised by Dr. Richard Collins in collaboration with partners from UKWIR.
The student will spend the majority of their time at the University of Sheffield but will be required to undertake work with UKWIR.
Eligibility Criteria
Normal EPSRC funding eligibility applies to this award, so students must have a relevant connection with the UK (usually established by residence).
The selection criteria for the position are a good first degree in relevant science or engineering discipline and enthusiasm and passion for the topic area.
How to apply
Interested candidates should email a covering letter and their Curriculum Vitae to Lindsay Hopcroft ([email protected]).
For information and informal enquiries please contact: Dr. Richard Collins, [email protected]
