"Research Assistant or Associate in Mechanics of Advanced Composite Structures"

Imperial College London - Department of Aeronautics

Location: South Kensington Campus (London)

About the role:

This post (Research Assistant/Associate in Mechanics of Advanced Composite Structures) will allow you to contribute to a greater project developing the next generations of aero-engines. You will develop strong research, supervision, network, communication and project management skills. You will gain unique hands-on experience with both numerical techniques and with the most advanced lab equipment (including an AFP machine). You will get the opportunity to travel to International Scientific conferences and to University (Oxford, Bristol) and industrial (Rolls-Royce) partners.

Your work will focus on developing further innovative concepts to make engine casings more tolerant to high-velocity impacts (such as in the case of a blade out event). You will also develop further simulation methods for actual deployment at Rolls-Royce, namely AI-assisted surrogate models for high-speed impact.

What you would be doing:

• You will develop innovative hybrid CFRP / GFRP concepts for aircraft casing. This will entail design, manufacture (using AFP) and analysis. The design process will be done in collaboration with the University of Bristol, and builds on prior work. Quasi-static testing will be done by the University of Bristol, and High-Velocity testing by the University of Oxford, in collaboration with us.
• You will contribute to the development of better numerical approaches for simulating impact events in aero-engines (fan blades and casing). This work will be done in collaboration with the University of Oxford, and our focus will be on improving fibre kinking models and incorporating Artificial Intelligence into the numerical Finite Element framework.

What we are looking for:

• Experience in failure modelling of fibre-reinforced composites using FEM
• An interest in AI
• Ideally, practical experience in a composite lab
• An interest in working in a larger group, collaborating with other universities and industry.

What we can offer you:

• The opportunity to build a strong network with contacts at other universities (Oxford and Bristol) and at Rolls-Royce
• The opportunity to develop codes that should be deployed and used in practice by Rolls-Royce
• Ample scope for travelling to international conferences to disseminate the work done.
• Ample scope for publishing in leading journals.
• The opportunity to gain hands-on experience with unique equipment, such as an AFP machine.
• The opportunity to gain supervision and project management experience.
• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
• Grow your career: Gain access to Imperial’s sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes).

Further Information

If you require any further details on the role please contact: Silvestre Pinho – Silvestre.pinho@imperial.ac.uk

Please note that job descriptions are not exhaustive, and you may be asked to take on additional duties that align with the key responsibilities mentioned above.

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