Tall steel structure under wind load, fire and seismic force

Overview:
This research project is a joint research collaboration between BCU and Chongqing Steel Structures as industrial partner, who specialize in the design and building of tall steel structures. Therefore, the aim of this project is to empower the study of disaster impact on tall steel building structures with the approach of multi-physics fluid-structure interaction (FSI). The research project will evaluate and analyze the behaviour and response of tall steel building structure under the impact of wind load, fire and/or seismic force with the approach of multi-physics FSI. The research project will also focus on the development of mathematical model and computational techniques in providing analytical solution to the studies. The outcome should contribute to designing an effective and safe building structure that could reduce the risk of disastrous failure under the multiphase impact conditions. These could also help in facilitating effective structural design in disaster reduction and failure to protect their lives, homes, livelihoods and assets. The proposed research project will pilot within the Chongqing region of China as the region is subject to intense earthquake and is highly populated with skyscrapers.

Person specification
A valid English language qualification, such as International English Language Test System (Academic IELTS) or equivalent with an overall score of 6.5 with no band below 6.0, must be submitted with your application.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and highly motivated candidate who should have or be in the process of obtaining an excellent first degree (good 2:1 or above) or MSc degree with Distinction in a relevant engineering discipline (e.g. Civil, Material, Mechanical, Thermal, Earthquake, Mathematics or Physics). The role will involve structural design and analysis, computational mechanics, multi-physics numerical analysis, mathematical modelling and scientific computation.
Thus applicants should demonstrate
Good knowledge of structural design and analysis, computational modelling or scientific computation.
Experience in mathematical modelling, finite element analysis (FEA), computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and fluid-structure interaction (FSI) would be advantageous.
Experience using ANSYS software or similar packages.
Good written and oral communication skills are essential.
Knowledge and experience of programming (Matlab, Python) would be an advantage.

Funding notes
The opportunity is open to Home, EU and International applicants who meet the required Birmingham City University eligibility criteria. The PhD studentship includes a full stipend, paid for a period of 3 years at RCUK rates (in 2019/20 this is £15,009 pa) and fees at Home/EU rate. This studentship preferably would start in September 2019 and no later than February 2020. International applicants are eligible to apply for this studentship but must meet the shortfall on fees between Home/EU and International rate.

How to apply
The closing date for applications is 23.59 on Wednesday 17th July 2019.
You can find details on studying for a PhD and details of how to apply – https://www.bcu.ac.uk/courses/bsbe-research-degrees-phd-2019-20
When applying, please complete the online application form through the above provided link where you will be required to upload your proposal in place of a personal statement.
Reference: EBE-052019-PhD-3

Contact
For Informal academic enquiries please contact the academic supervisor, Dr Andy Lim (andy.lim@bcu.ac.uk) of the Computational Modelling Research Group, Centre of Engineering, School of Engineering and the Built Environment, Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment, Birmingham City University.
For all administrative enquiries please contact Bernadette Allen (bernadette.allen@bcu.ac.uk) from the Doctoral College, Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment, Birmingham City University.