An Opportunity to work with me (A PhD Research Scholarship)

Dear Reader,

Good day. I hope you are doing well.

I wanted to draw your attention to an opportunity to work under my supervision in a just launched PhD position within my research group.

Details of the opportunity can be found here: https://www.gre.ac.uk/docs/rep/communications-and-recruitment/self-healing-composite-pipelines-for-sustainable-water-infrastructure​

Please download the PDF document on that link and read about it.

How to Apply:

If you are interetest, click on this link to apply: https://www.gre.ac.uk/research/study/application-process​

In summary, these are details of the PhD opportunity:

Topic:

Self-Healing Composite Pipelines for Sustainable Water Infrastructure

Aim:

The aim of this project is to develop and validate predictive models that describe how self-healing composite pipelines respond to mechanical loading and internal water pressure, and to assess their ability to repair damage under operational conditions.

Objectives

1. Develop numerical models to simulate crack initiation, capsule rupture, polymer release, and stiffness recovery in composite pipeline materials.
2. Incorporate simplified representations of internal water pressure and flow to capture key fluid–structure interactions affecting damage and healing.
3. Perform parametric studies to identify how capsule size, distribution, and material properties influence healing efficiency and structural recovery.
4. Validate numerical predictions through targeted laboratory experiments on composite specimens and pipe sections.

Methodology

The methodology combines advanced computer modelling with focused experimental testing. Three-dimensional numerical models will simulate fracture, healing, and structural recovery within composite pipes, while simplified fluid representations will capture the influence of internal pressure. Sensitivity studies will identify design configurations that maximise self-healing performance. Experimental testing will include mechanical loading of composite specimens and short pipe sections to measure stiffness, strength, and fracture behaviour before and after healing, alongside simple leakage observations to assess crack sealing.

Experience required (please apply even if you do not have all)

• Previous experience of undertaking research (e.g. undergraduate or taught master’s dissertation)
• Hands-on experience in mechanical or materials experimentation, including specimen preparation and mechanical testing.
• Practical experience using finite element analysis (FEA) software such as ABAQUS and/or ANSYS for structural simulations.
• Experience working with composite structures or pipeline-related components.
• Familiarity with fracture or damage modelling approaches, such as cohesive zone models, extended finite element methods (XFEM), or continuum damage mechanics.
• Experience with fluid–structure interaction (FSI) modelling or pressure-driven loading.

For more information:

Please contact me by replying this email to discuss the opportunity more and I can explain more about it to you. My contact email is: michael.okereke@cmvideos.org

Good luck.

Dr Michael Okereke