Title: Computational modelling of fretting-induced wear
Closing date: 14 June 2019
Primary supervisor: Prof Chris Pearce
Project Description: Wear is a complex problem that occurs in many industrial applications, notably under fretting loading conditions. Fretting-induced wear is surface damage that occurs between two contacting surfaces experiencing oscillatory motion. Fretting degrades the quality of interacting surfaces which can significantly reduce the performance of the associated components and even lead to catastrophic failure. The process is often coupled with oxidation of the surfaces and the debris.
This PhD is part of a collaboration between the University of Glasgow and Safran Tech to realise a fundamental understanding of wear in the contact area of tight assemblies and bolted connections through a combined numerical and experimental approach.
This PhD project will be based at the University of Glasgow and will focus on the computational modelling of the complex contact surface interactions. The PhD student will explore new approaches to model this complex process, drawing on the latest advances in finite element technology, mechanics and experimental observations. This will build on several innovations and software (MoFEM) already developed by the supervisors.
The project will be supervised by Professor Chris Pearce and Dr Łukasz Kaczmarczyk at the University of Glasgow, and Dr Julien Vignollet at Safran Tech (Paris). The student will be joining the Glasgow Computational Engineering Center and be part of a large team focused on the application of computational mechanics to a wide range of challenging problems. The student will also work closely with Dr Vignollet in Safran Tech and will have the opportunity to spend some time at Safran’s Paris-Saclay office. Safran Tech is the research and technology centre of Safran, an international, high-technology company, operating in the aircraft, space and defence markets.
Candidates should have (or expect to achieve) a UK honours degree at 2.1 or above (or equivalent) in Civil, Mechanical, Materials or Aerospace Engineering. It is essential that the successful applicant has a background in
mechanics and/or materials.