Anglia Ruskin University

The Engineering Analysis, Simulation and Tribology (EAST) group embraces the core disciplines of thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and heat transfer.

Our research is focussed on the modelling of renewable energy bio-mass gasification, algae, solar evaporation systems, the tribological life-cycle (wear and scuffing) analysis, boundary lubrication "clean technology" aspects of internal combustion (IC) engines. Our fluid flow and convective heat transfer research is being conducted on the theory of convection in tube bundle cross flow optimisation and jet-flows. The theoretical research concentrates on CFD and finite element (FE) studies (simulation tools).

We also carry out research in a three-phase slurry flow optimisation. our current projects include:

• design and development of an air atomizer to administer Airborne 10 into atmosphere
• design and development of renewable energy extraction from the ocean
• development of world's first known theoretical Tribology simulation package based on numerical and genetic algorithms
• manufacturing process heat recovery and water recycling system design
• development of the new techniques for experimental probabilistic design method.

Much of the research within EAST focuses on the study of nonlinear problems as applied to mechanical energy absorbers, from localised shell and panel buckling to simplified models with modified material cards. Significant advances using HYPERWORKS, LS-DYNA 3D, ANSYS and PAMCRASH have been made in modelling the folding of vehicle structure and impact barriers during crash tests. Research into design and testing of passive and active energy absorbers for earthquake damping and roadside pedestrian protection systems are the core activities of this sub-area.

Supervision and support

You will be supervised by experts who have been working in this area of research for the past 12 years with an extensive publication track record. There is also a wealth of knowledge and archive data within the group. Our members also have direct access to industrial collaborators in the field. Current collaborators include The Ford Motor Company, Cellbond Composites, Anotronic Ltd and Rolls Royce. Additionally, we have collaborations with a number of overseas universities.

Facilities

You will have full access to variety of CAD finite element and computational fluid dynamics simulation packages as well as to a scanning electron microscope, machine shop and rapid prototyping machines. Specific projects will have access to industrial experimental facilities.

Funding

Aside from self-funding or funding by your employer, charities and trusts (competitively sought after, as are Research Council Awards), career, graduate, and professional study loans may be available. Visit: www.family-action.org.uk for information on educational trusts, or www.direct.gov.uk for bank loans at competitive rates. Alternatively, visit your local high-street bank for more information.

Career development and training

We are in close collaboration with industrial partners and some of our members have been recruited by sponsoring companies.

• Prof. Hassan Shirvani - engineering design and simulation, structural and conjugate flow studies
• Dr. Ayoub Shirvani - tribology and renewable energy
• Dr. Sunday Nwaubani - concrete and structural design

Candidates seeking admission to the degree of MPhil or MPhil with possibility of transfer to PhD will normally be required to hold a first or upper second class honours degree of a university, or any other institution of higher education in the UK with degree-awarding powers or a qualification which is regarded by Anglia Ruskin as equivalent to a first or upper second class honours degree.