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