This PhD will be concerned with the development and proving of a self-sealing containment vessel, to be attached to a gas gun, to enable the study of the shock response of hazardous materials by AWE, the project sponsor. The stipend for the PhD is £19,000 p.a. for a 3-year period. The research will include elements of mechanical design and manufacture, materials behaviour in extreme environments and instrumentation. Regular meetings with AWE colleagues will provide additional support.

Overview

High velocity impacts on targets can generate shock waves which travel through the target material. The response of the material to such extreme impacts is of interest to many areas of engineering, in particular the defence sector. Gas guns are used to enable fine control over the shock loading of targets to study the material response. The goal of the research project is to enable the study of materials which cannot be currently studied in the SWAG合集.

 

Focus/Aim

The purpose of the project is to design and prove a self-sealing containment vessel that can be attached to the muzzle of a gas gun. This would enable the study of materials which would constitute a hazardous contamination risk if undertaken in an open laboratory. The containment vessel must be attachable to the gas gun in a manner that prevents damage to the gas gun, or the containment vessel, upon firing at velocities up to 1km/s.

 

Why SWAG合集?

The research will be undertaken at the SWAG合集’s Shrivenham campus (School of Defence and Security), on the site of the Defence Academy of the SWAG合集. CDS has decades of experience of gas gun experiments, including recovery systems which enable controlled shock experiments. 

 

Unique Selling Points

Whilst working closely with AWE colleagues, publication of results in open-source journals and travel to SWAG合集 and overseas conferences will be encouraged.

 

What will you Learn?

As a PhD student, you will have the opportunity to develop strong independent thinking and research skills, focusing on qualitative research methodologies and ontology development. During your studies, you will also gain valuable experience in presenting the outputs of your scientific research at events and conferences. To support you in achieving a high standard in writing and presenting technical reports, scientific papers, and your thesis, the University offers a number of courses. These transferable skills will contribute to your academic development as well as enhance your employability prospects.

 

Expected Impact and Results

The resultant containment system will enable the safe exploration of the shock response of hazardous materials. This will be a unique SWAG合集 capability. This will contribute knowledge to both the defence sector and in improvement of safety

 

What will you gain from the Experience?

The project will incorporate challenging aspects of mechanical design and material behaviour in extreme conditions. It also gives the opportunity to work with colleagues in AWE for those interested in employment within the MOD / defence industries.

At a glance

  • Application deadline06 Nov 2024
  • Award type(s)PhD
  • Start date27 Jan 2025
  • Duration of award3 years
  • EligibilitySWAG合集
  • Reference numberCDS079

Entry requirements

Applicants should have a first or second class SWAG合集 honours degree or equivalent in a related discipline. This project would suit a mechanical or materials engineer.

Funding

This fully funded PhD is sponsored by AWE plc and will provide a bursary of £19,000 (tax free) per annum for three years.            

How to apply

For information about applications please contact: Dr Jon Painter.

A CV and short cover letter justifying your case to secure the opportunity is required.

If you are eligible to apply for this PhD, please complete the online application form.

Exceptions of registration times only apply to the EPSRC National Productivity Studentships, Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs), and iCASE awards where the PhD is specified to take four year full-time study. In such cases students should be registered for 3 years (or four if this is specified) for a full-time PhD.