PhD research project
Arching propensity in bunkers storing granular solids
School of Civil & Environmental Engineering
University of Edinburgh
Summary information
The project
To develop a computer model and undertake experimental
investigations of the arrested flow of granular solids in
containment structures, and to quantify the arching propensity.
The candidate
An engineering or science graduate with a good honours degree.
Familiarity with critical state concepts, soil mechanics and the
finite element method would be advantageous.
The benefits
A scholarship of £6885 p.a. tax free plus fees and research
costs (non UK or EU applicants may be liable for additional
fees). The candidate can earn extra money by teaching in
tutorial classes and laboratories. This PhD will be undertaken in
a very highly rated science and engineering faculty in one of
Britain’s most attractive cities. The research project will involve
industrial collaboration, and has great potential to solve a group
of industrial problems facing many industries.
Enquiries to [log in to unmask] (further contact details below)
Background information
The handling of particulate solids is a vital operation in many
industries, including chemical processing, power generation,
mining, agriculture and food processing. One common handling
problem is that the flow of solids from a storage structure
becomes blocked and the solid arches over the outlet. Arching
or bridging occurs when the stress field in the solid near the
outlet is not sufficient to break down an arch whose strength
derives from the cohesive strength developed in the solid by an
earlier stress field.
This project will develop computational models for common
bunker geometries and outlet arrangements using a finite element
analysis with appropriately complicated constitutive models.
The project will initially focus on the handling of coal, since
arching is a considerable problem in power generation.
However, the findings should be much more general, and should
be applicable to many solids; such as flour; cement and
pharmaceutical powders. Some property measurements on the
solids and some model tests will also be undertaken. The
project will quantify the arching propensity of a cohesive solids
in a storage silo.
Jin Ooi
Senior Lecturer
School of Civil & Environmental Engineering
University of Edinburgh
The King’s Buildings
Edinburgh EH9 3JN
UK
Tel: +44 (0)131 650 5725
Fax: +44 (0)131 650 6781
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