KTP Associate in Multi-scale Modelling of Composites

You will be based at Rolls-Royce in Derby, and work on the development and validation of numerical methods for predicting the structural integrity of composite components for aircraft engines in collaboration with academics from the Bristol Composites Institute and Rolls-Royce PLC. This will entail introducing and validating finite-element based multiscale and multi-physics modelling methodologies and conducting high-quality numerical work and high-fidelity simulations.

This 36-month KTP includes a £6,000 training budget with 10% of your time dedicated to your personal development. You will have access to a pension scheme with generous employer contributions. This unique funded opportunity from Innovate UK provides a blend of training and expert supervision, focusing on fast-track development of personal, organisational, leadership and analysis skills. The project will deliver new cutting-edge technology, provide excellent career development and hone your skills to become a future leader. ​

What you will be doing:

• Implementation of physically based constitutive models for predicting the mechanical response of composites.
• Development of numerical techniques for multi-scale and multi-physics analysis.
• Simulation of laboratory tests for model validation.
• Virtual testing of representative sub-components.
• Reporting results to industrial partners and the wider scientific community.
• Writing papers in both high impact and specialized journals.
• Embedding processes and knowledge into Rolls-Royce’s R&D department so that the company has the capability to continue to develop new material products and applications post-KTP.
• You will be the project lead, managing your own workload and ensuring outputs, including leading on meetings and workshops.
• Direct problem-solving activities and your own learning.
• You’ll have creative freedom to suggest changes and develop the project plan.

You should apply if you have:

• MSc or PhD in Materials Science, Engineering or equivalent field, with a strong academic foundation in solid mechanics.
• Experience in simulating progressive failure in fibre-reinforced composites.
• Expertise in developing user-defined sub routines for commercial Finite Element packages.
• Advanced programming skills in Python and Fortran.
• Strong background in numerical modelling (multi-scale modelling experience desirable).
• Deep knowledge and understanding of composites mechanics.
• Practical experience and coding capability relevant to the aerospace sector is highly desirable.
• Eligibility to obtain Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS).

This is a 36 month KTP project with Rolls-Royce PLC to develop a new process for assessing the fatigue and damage tolerance of composite carbon/titanium (CTi) fan blades for the civil aerospace sector, which will be embedded into Rolls-Royce’s manufacturing processes.

As a KTP Associate you will work at the Rolls-Royce site in Derby to embed new knowledge using research and academic support from the University through this innovation project. You will be able to apply your degree in real world applications with the role providing an introduction to industrial and commercial work whilst retaining links to academia.