Funded PhD Research Studentships (3 year full-time)
‘The Engineering Behaviour of Artificial Pitches for Sport’
Research Studentships are available in the thriving and expanding Sport Surfaces Research Group (SSRG) at Loughborough University. This growing topic of research combines materials science, construction technology, modelling, sustainability – including recycling/reuse of materials and environmental issues, biomechanics and sport science, and also novel instrumentation techniques for use in the design, construction and assessment of sport pitches and their play performance. Research groups in Sport Surfaces, Geotechnical Engineering, Sports Technology, and Polymer Technology are collaborating on a range of projects with applications in Sport and Sport Surfaces Engineering.
The proposed PhD projects have applications in both measuring and engineering the behaviour of artificial sport surfaces, and specifically the influences on their playing performance and their engineering quality. The work will be largely based in the new (temperature and humidity controlled) ‘Centre for Laboratory Assessment of Sports Surfaces and Instrumentation’ (CLASSI) in the Department of Civil and Building Engineering, with input where required from the members of the other sports related research groups.
Several research topics exist, incorporating research methodologies in laboratory and field experimentation, numerical modelling and human science. The general research themes include: the science of player-surface and ball-surface interactions; construction and testing technologies; materials engineering; and mathematical modelling. Within these overlapping themes there are projects aimed at: development of novel field/lab tests; the characterisation of surface carpets and infill; interface friction behaviour; shock absorbent pad development; surface maintenance technology; surface/substrate layer interactions; in- play parameterisation; player/user perception; user health and safety; construction quality assurance; and in-service degradation mechanisms.
The successful candidate will be largely responsible for the day-to-day running of their project, supported by qualified laboratory technicians and the academic supervisors. A steering committee may also support the work comprising industry/sport governing bodies.
The successful applicant must be eligible for UK/EU funding, and will receive a minimum annual stipend of £12, 300 plus tuition fees and will be supervised primarily by Dr Paul Fleming. However, self funded students will be considered. Applicants should be highly motivated and have a minimum of an upper second class honours degree or equivalent in an appropriate discipline.
Informal enquiries can be made to Dr Paul Fleming (01509-222616) or email: P.R.FLEMING@lboro.ac.uk.
Applicants should complete the standard PhD application form available from http://www.lboro.ac.uk/prospectus/pg/apply/index.html and submit with supporting documents and a letter to: Ms Helen Newbold, Research Administrator, Department of Civil and Building Engineering, Loughborough University, Email: H.Newbold@lboro.ac.uk.
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Mer 21 Mar - 11:57