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The Biomaterials Research Group in Queen's University Belfast, Northern Ireland is seeking a highly motivated student to pursue a Ph.D. studentship in computational mechanics of biomaterials.
Funding Criteria: Financial awards to study in Northern Ireland under this scheme require that you must have been ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom (or elsewhere in the European Community for fees-only awards) throughout the 3 year period immediately preceding the start of
an award.
Ideal Skills: Computer programming (e.g. C++, Fortran), finite element analysis, material testing (static and fatigue), material and chemical characterisation.
Academic Criteria: Applicants should possess a minimum of a 2.1 honours degree in biomedical/mechanical/chemical engineering or materials science.
Application process: Please send a curriculum vitae (including contact details for two referees) and cover letter indicating suitability for the post to Dr. Alex Lennon (a.lennon@qub.ac.uk) or Dr. Nicholas Dunne (n.dunne@qub.ac.uk).
Deadline for applications is Friday 4th May 2012.
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Detailed Project Description--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Development of computational models of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) reinforced bone cements for simulation of fatigue failure of cemented orthopaedic implants
Description:
Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) bone cement is a self-curing polymer frequently used to fixate orthopaedic implants. One approach to increase fatigue properties is MWCNT addition to PMMA. Accurate models of fatigue behaviour of bone cement are essential to simulate realistic failure of multi-component joint replacement structures. However, no suitable models of PMMA-MWCNT cements currently exist that accurately predict static and fatigue properties. Considerable experimental data exists within the research group on PMMA-MWCNT cements that provide a significant opportunity to develop theoretical and computational models of static and fatigue failure. Building on existing models of bone cement failure, theoretical and computational material models based on experimental testing of PMMA-MWCNT cements will be developed. Chemical investigation will also be used to assess potential for grafting of MWCNT to the PMMA backbone and assessing the influence of using clean MMA (prepared using Green Synthesis approaches) on cement properties. Accurate material models for PMMA-MWCNT cements will enable assessment of their true potential to affect implant longevity by including them in
multi-factorial failure models applied to patient-specific simulation.
Funding Criteria: Financial awards to study in Northern Ireland under this scheme require that you must have been ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom (or elsewhere in the European Community for fees-only awards) throughout the 3 year period immediately preceding the start of
an award.
Ideal Skills: Computer programming (e.g. C++, Fortran), finite element analysis, material testing (static and fatigue), material and chemical characterisation.
Academic Criteria: Applicants should possess a minimum of a 2.1 honours degree in biomedical/mechanical/chemical engineering or materials science.
Application process: Please send a curriculum vitae (including contact details for two referees) and cover letter indicating suitability for the post to Dr. Alex Lennon (a.lennon@qub.ac.uk) or Dr. Nicholas Dunne (n.dunne@qub.ac.uk).
Deadline for applications is Friday 4th May 2012.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Detailed Project Description--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Development of computational models of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) reinforced bone cements for simulation of fatigue failure of cemented orthopaedic implants
Description:
Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) bone cement is a self-curing polymer frequently used to fixate orthopaedic implants. One approach to increase fatigue properties is MWCNT addition to PMMA. Accurate models of fatigue behaviour of bone cement are essential to simulate realistic failure of multi-component joint replacement structures. However, no suitable models of PMMA-MWCNT cements currently exist that accurately predict static and fatigue properties. Considerable experimental data exists within the research group on PMMA-MWCNT cements that provide a significant opportunity to develop theoretical and computational models of static and fatigue failure. Building on existing models of bone cement failure, theoretical and computational material models based on experimental testing of PMMA-MWCNT cements will be developed. Chemical investigation will also be used to assess potential for grafting of MWCNT to the PMMA backbone and assessing the influence of using clean MMA (prepared using Green Synthesis approaches) on cement properties. Accurate material models for PMMA-MWCNT cements will enable assessment of their true potential to affect implant longevity by including them in
multi-factorial failure models applied to patient-specific simulation.