ARC Funded PhD Scholarship: Non-contact Ultrasonic Techniques for Damage Detection
The University of Adelaide is offering a fully-funded PhD scholarship through an Australian Research Council Discovery Project. This opportunity supports a full-time PhD student to undertake cutting-edge research in non-contact ultrasonic techniques for damage detection in structures with challenging surface conditions.
Research Focus
Early-stage damage detection is crucial for maintaining structural integrity across various engineering applications. While ultrasonic guided wave techniques have shown great promise for damage identification, current approaches predominantly depend on contact-based methods using piezoelectric transducers or conventional probes. These methods face significant limitations when applied to structures with complex surface conditions or in hard-to-access locations, and often lack sufficient sensitivity for reliable early-stage damage detection.
This research project will investigate the fundamental physics of ultrasonic wave generation, propagation, and measurement using advanced non-contact techniques, with particular focus on challenging surface conditions. Through a combination of analytical modeling, numerical simulations, and experimental validation, the study aims to develop new physical insights into wave behavior in these complex scenarios.
Building on these fundamental understandings, the project will create novel signal processing and damage detection algorithms capable of quantitatively identifying early-stage structural damage. The expected outcomes include both theoretical advancements in understanding non-contact ultrasonic wave phenomena and practical methodologies for damage detection that can be applied to real-world structures with complex geometries or surface conditions.
Research Environment
The successful candidate will work in a vibrant, multi-disciplinary team comprising experts from the School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, and School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering. During the PhD study, the student will be supported by well-established supervisors, experienced early-career researchers, and senior PhD students within a supportive research environment. The findings from this project have the potential to revolutionize non-destructive inspection for structures with challenging conditions.
Scholarship Details
Duration: Up to 3 years
Stipend: $35,921 per annum (indexed annually), likely to be tax exempt subject to Taxation Office approval
Program: Doctor of Philosophy
Application Deadline: Open until filled
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be:
Australian citizens, permanent residents of Australia, New Zealand citizens, permanent humanitarian visa holders, or international students who are acceptable candidates for a PhD degree at the University of Adelaide
Holders of an Honours-level qualification (First Class) or equivalent in engineering fields
Advantageous Skills and Experience
First Class Honours or Masters degree in Civil or Mechanical Engineering
Skills in analytical and numerical modeling of ultrasonic waves
Experience in experimental studies of ultrasonic waves
Good communication and problem-solving skills
Knowledge in data analytics (desirable)
How to Apply
Expressions of interest should be submitted to Professor (Alex) Ching Tai Ng with the name of scholarship in the subject heading. Please include all of the following documents:
Evidence of Australian or New Zealand citizenship, or Australian permanent resident status (if applicable)
Degree certificates (testamurs)
Academic transcripts
Translations of non-English documentation
Evidence of English language proficiency
Curriculum vitae
For inquiries, please contact:
Professor (Alex) Ching Tai Ng
School of Architecture and Civil Engineering
Email: alex.ng@adelaide.edu.au
This scholarship presents an excellent opportunity for engineering graduates interested in advanced research methodologies and non-destructive testing techniques. The project's outcomes could significantly impact structural health monitoring across various industries.
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