An exciting opportunity exists for two appropriately qualified candidates to conduct research, which forms part of an international collaboration, into improving the crashworthiness of existing aircraft.

As a scholarship recipient, you will receive a tax free living stipend of AUD $27,222 per annum for three years and have the opportunity to be part of a dynamic research team.

Researchers have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and world-class research facilities. Specially designed training will help you reach your education, research and career goals faster.

About the project

The Cooperative Research Centre for Advanced Composite Structures (CRC-ACS) is leading this project with a number of partners including the German Aerospace Centre, DLR (Deutsches Zentrum fur Luft- und Raumfahrt), Bishop GmbH and DSTO (Defence Science and Technology Organisation). Opportunities exist for the successful candidates to conduct some of their research at DLR. The students will also be expected to spend time at CRC-ACS.

The overall aim of this program is to couple the benefits of composite structures, as effective energy-absorbing structural elements, with state-of-the-art simulation technology and restraint systems (airbags and seatbelt pre-tensioners).  The PhD program will involve (i) the development of improved numerical modelling tools to simulate crash events using finite element analysis and high performance computing (HPC), (ii) material characterisation and physical testing of components to assess their energy absorbing characteristics and to validate the modelling and (iii) the design of a retrofit demonstrator which will be mounted on a platform to be selected by DSTO.

This research will lead to an improved capability in predicting the structural response due to impact and consequently delivering a reliable methodology to assess crashworthiness of aircraft. The design of effective retrofit crash management systems will also give rise to new opportunities for industry to design, manufacture and implement such systems. 

Eligibility criteria

A four year Bachelor of Engineering, Bachelor of Aerospace or Bachelor of Science (Honours) from a recognised tertiary institution with H1 or high H2A and have an interest in composite aircraft structures, computational modelling and experimental testing.

Applications

Applications close 2 September 2011 or unless filled. Applications should be sent to Professor Brian Falzon at brian.falzon@monash.edu and include a cover letter, curriculum vitae and academic transcript