Modelling elastic fibre networks

Many materials reveal themselves to be random fibre networks when viewed on sufficiently short length scales. This includes paper, felt and non-woven fabrics, many scaffolds used for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, and the mesh of protein fibres that give our cells their mechanical integrity. Leeds is particularly strong in this area, with research in a number of these fields currently ongoing across campus. However, what is often lacking is a rapid, in silico computational tool that can predict fibre network properties in advance, aiding the design of new materials. In this project, the student will develop new simulation models for fibre networks to help provide this prescreening capability. The student can either focus on a specific material (e.g. collagen, peptides etc.), and would be able to interact with experimemtalists in the corresponding field; or s/he can focus on universal aspects of fibre networks that have thus far been largely overlooked due to computational difficulties, such as network dynamics. Parallelisation to achieve representative volumes in 3D is also a challenge that may be addressed in this project.

<p>The earliest start date for this project is 1 October 2020.</p>

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/info/130206/applying/91/applying_for_research_degrees">University&#39;s website</a>.&nbsp;Please state clearly in the research information section&nbsp;that the research degree you wish to be considered for is &lsquo;Modelling elastic fibre networks&rsquo; as well as&nbsp;<a href="https://engineering.leeds.ac.uk/staff/542/Dr_David_Head">Dr David Head</a> as your proposed supervisor.</p> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University&#39;s minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>We welcome applications from all suitably-qualified candidates, but UK black and minority ethnic (BME) researchers are currently under-represented in our Postgraduate Research community, and we would therefore particularly encourage applications from UK BME candidates. All scholarships will be awarded on the basis of merit.</em></p>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<p><strong>Self-Funding Students</strong></p> <p><strong>Funding Eligibility</strong></p> <p><strong>UK/EU</strong> &ndash;&nbsp;Leeds Doctoral Scholarship Award paying Academic Fees and Maintenance matching EPSRC rate of &pound;15,009 per year for 3 years and Alumni Bursary for previous graduates from the University of Leeds offering 10% discount on Academic Fees</p> <p><strong>International Students</strong> &ndash;&nbsp;China Scholarship Council-University of Leeds Scholarship Award paying Academic Fees for 3 years, Commonwealth Scholarship for Low Income Countries and&nbsp;Alumni Bursary for previous graduates from the University of Leeds offering 10% discount on Academic Fees</p>

<p>For further information regarding your application, please contact Doctoral College Admissions by&nbsp;email:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:EMAIL@leeds.ac.uk">p</a><a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">hd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk,</a>&nbsp;or by telephone: +44 (0)113 343 5057</p> <p>For further information regarding the project, please contact Dr David Head by email:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:D.Head@leeds.ac.uk">D.Head@leeds.ac.uk</a></p>