PhD Studentship: Combined fatigue and environmental damage in advanced
adhesively bonded wing structures

Applications are invited for a fully funded PhD studentship within the
School of Engineering at the University of Surrey. This project is being
carried out in conjunction with Airbus, BAE Systems and Imperial College.
The advanced prototype wing structure contains from a novel thick laminated
aluminium skin to which is bonded aluminium stringers. Work at the
University of Surrey will focus on the integrity of the bond between the
skin and stringer in the presence of fluctuating loads and aggressive
environments. Experimental characterisation of the damage will be coupled
with progressive damage finite element modelling. Existing damage modelling
procedures that have been developed at the University for fatigue and
environmental damage acting in isolation will be extended and developed to
accommodate the case of combined fatigue damage and environmental
degradation.

Applicants should have expertise in computational mechanics in general and
FEA in particular and should be able to undertaking careful
experimentation. They should have at least the equivalent of a good upper
second class honours degree in Mechanical, Civil or related engineering
disciplines or Physics.

Funding will depend on a number of factors; for UK/EU students it will be a
minimum of £12,300pa, rising annually. Students from outside the EU may
also apply.

For further information please email Prof Crocombe, [log in to unmask]

Application Deadline: 1st December 2006

Formal applications, to include a CV and the names and addresses of two
academic referees and a completed/signed application form, should be sent
to:

Mrs. Poppy Chadburn
Materials, Surfaces & Structural Systems
School of Engineering (H6)
University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7XH