About the Project This project is one of a number in competition for a studentship from the Faculty of Engineering
and Design at the University of Bath. If successful, this studentship is expected to commence 04 October 2027. An alternative start date may be possible if agreed with your intended supervisors and the Doctoral College. The physical resilience of vulnerable buildings and critical infrastructure against malevolent attacks is of growing concern, in both developed and emerging economies. Practical and cost-effective means of protecting concrete structures is therefore of interest, both for new-build projects, and for retrofitting in response to evolving threats. Past research has examined elastomer coating as a low-cost protective solution for concrete. Such coatings offer enhanced protection in certain dynamic load regimes e.g. local impact and severe blast, but not in others e.g. during fluid-structure interaction and during dynamic flexure. Recent research at the University of Bath has demonstrated the potential for a novel type of protective coating: a shear-stiffening gel (SSG). SSG coatings have been developed for protection of composite panels, reducing the extent of internal damage by 70% compared with uncoated panels and by 55% compared with traditional elastomer coatings. The additional improvement in impact resistance is the result of the shear-stiffening response of the gel which enables an additional energy-absorption mechanism via a viscous-rubbery phase transition. This PhD will seek to develop design guidelines for effective implementation of SSG as a protective solution for concrete structures in response to blast and impact load events. An experimental campaign will interrogate the protective performance of the gel across a range of strain rates and will include quasi-static compression tests, low and high velocity impact tests and damping analysis. The experimental programme will be supplemented by finite element analysis. This will be used to understand the protective mechanisms at play with a view to developing design guidelines to achieve an optimal protective effect. Candidate requirements: Applicants must have, or be about to obtain, a UK Honours degree 1st or 2.1, or international equivalent. A master's level qualification would also be advantageous. Non-UK applicants, who are not currently studying in the UK, must meet the programme's English language requirement before the application deadline – no exceptions will be considered. Informal enquiries are encouraged. Direct these to Dr Chanel Fallon cf771@bath.ac.uk Please follow the below instructions carefully. You must make a formal application via the University of Bath's online application form for a PhD in Mechanical Engineering. Please note that you can apply for a maximum of two PhD projects on this programme. In the 'Funding Your Studies' section, you must select 'University of Bath URSA' from one of the drop-down menus. In the 'Your PhD project' section, you must quote the project title in the PhD project title field, and you must quote the lead supervisor's name in the field 'Name of intended supervisor at University of Bath.' If you are applying for two projects, you must quote the project title for your second choice project in the field 'Project 2 Title' and the lead supervisor's name in 'Name of intended supervisor for 2nd choice project at University of Bath. You must ensure that you follow the above steps correctly. Failure to complete these steps will cause errors in the automated processing of your application and may mean that you are not considered for a particular project. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion We value a diverse research environment and strive to be an inclusive university, where difference is celebrated and respected. We encourage applications from under-represented groups. If you have circumstances that you feel we should be aware of that have affected your educational attainment, then please feel free to tell us about it in your application form. The best way to do this is a short paragraph at the end of your personal statement. The Disability Service ensures that individuals with disabilities are provided the support that they need. If you state if your application that you have a disability, the Disability Service will contact you as part of this process to discuss your needs. Keywords Concrete structures; blast loading; impact loading; advanced materials; structural resilience Funding Notes Applicants will be considered for a studentship. The Faculty of Engineering and Design at the University of Bath has studentships available for Home and Overseas students. However, in line with UKRI policy, the number of studentships available to Overseas students are capped. Studentships cover tuition fees, provide a £1k per annum training support fee, and a maintenance stipend (£21,805 2026/27 rate). International students will be required to cover the cost of a Student visa and Immigration Health Surcharge from personal funds.
