Research Associate / Senior Research Associate In Computational Modelling Of Composites

The role This role offers an exciting opportunity to carry out cutting-edge research in the Composites University Technology Research Centre (UTC) of the University of Bristol, supported by Rolls-Royce plc. The Composites UTC core mission is to provide a validated analysis capability for the design of lightweight composite components for next-generation power systems, with applications involving civil aerospace, defence, marine and nuclear engineering. The Rolls-Royce UTC is a flagship industrial collaboration of the Bristol Composites Institute (BCI), a cross-faculty research hub that involves 30 academics and more than 150 PhD and post-doctoral researchers, with state-of-the art manufacturing, characterisation and computational facilities. BCI is the largest and most successful composites institute in the world, with a research portfolio worth ~£50M. What will you be doing? The post holder will contribute to the development and validation of multi-scale finite-element analysis tools to predict the progressive damage evolution in organic- and ceramic-matrix composite materials, subject to a variety of loading regimes (i.e. quasi-static, fatigue and impact) and in presence of environmental effects, for example driven by temperature variation, moisture uptake and oxidation. This will entail working across the portfolio of research projects carried out by the Bristol UTC, with focus on assessing the performance and structural integrity of components in representative in-service environments. The post-holder is expected to regularly report the research progress to the UTC team and to Rolls-Royce plc, as well as publishing original research papers on high-impact-factor scientific journals. You should apply if Candidates are expected to have a deep knowledge of the mechanics of Composites and a proven ability (at least at PhD level for grade J) to develop user-defined material models and finite element formulations for commercial FEA packages (e.g. Abaqus Standard/Explicit, LS-Dyna), ideally within the context of multi-scale modelling frameworks for progressive damage assessments. Past involvement with industrially led research projects is also highly desirable. Additional information For informal queries please contact Prof Giuliano Allegri, giuliano.allegri@bristol.ac.uk +44 117 455 0510. To find out more about what it's like to work in the Faculty of Engineering, and how the Faculty supports people to achieve their potential, please see our staff blog: https://engineeringincludesme.blogs.bristol.ac.uk/ Interviews are anticipated to be held on 26 February 2024. Our strategy and mission We recently launched our strategy to 2030 tying together our mission, vision and values. The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives – particularly people of colour, LGBT+ and disabled people - because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.