Phd Description
Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) winding has been an established method in civil engineering for reinforcement of concrete structure. This research project investigates into a novel method of additive manufacture which winds FRP into customizable form-work with industrial robotic arms for concrete casting. Contrasting to the layering process of Fused deposition modeling (FDM), the proposed method is achieved by layered winding of FRP fabric and the simultaneous application of fast cure Epoxy resin, allowing flexibility in the fabricated geometry. The fabricated FRP tubes both serves as form-works for concrete casting as well as structure reinforcement for the final structure components. The candidate will be expected to prototype both in terms of the customized extruding system as well as the fabricated form-work itself to explore the systems, parameters, potentials and restrictions of the topic.
The applicants for this position are expected to have strong background structure engineering, preferable FRP composite materials, as well as previous experience on mechanical design. Knowledge of operating and path planning for industrial robotic is encouraged.
A working knowledge of composite structure, mechanical engineering, industrial robot operation and path planning, digital architecture and fabrication would be of benefit to someone working on this project.
Scholarship Requirements
Academic entry requirement
You have to prove you are prepared for PhD study. You do this by showing you:
- have completed some research experience
- have completed an approved university degree, and
- can meet the English language requirements.
Approved degrees
An approved degree needs to be: (1) in an area relevant to your proposed PhD project, and (2) completed no more than 10 years ago.
- You need one of the following approved degrees to apply for a PhD:
- Master of Philosophy (or another research master’s degree); or
- Bachelor’s degree from an approved university with at least honours class IIA or equivalent; or
- Coursework master’s degree with an overall grade point average of 5.65 on the 7-point UQ scale which includes relevant research experience, approved by the dean; or
- Postgraduate degree (at least one year full-time or equivalent) with an overall grade point average of 5 on the 7-point UQ scale, together with demonstrated research experience equivalent to honours class IIA will be considered on a case-by-case basis; or
- Bachelor’s degree plus at least 2 years of relevant research experience, including research publications.
Scholarships Benefit
The scholarships is a full-funded studentships, which will be given for three years with the possibility of two 6-months extensions. The scholarships are for living stipend scholarship with value AUS28,000 per annum.
How to apply
To apply for admission and scholarship, follow the link on the upper right of this page. There is no separate application for scholarship because you will have the opportunity to request scholarship consideration on the application for admission.
Before submitting an application you should:
- check your eligibility
- prepare your documentation
- contact Dr Dan Luo (d.luo@uq.edu.au) to discuss your suitability for this scholarship
When you apply, please ensure that under the scholarships and collaborative study section you:
- Select ‘My higher degree is not collaborative’
- Select 'I am applying for, or have been awarded a scholarship or sponsorship'.
- Select ‘Other’, then ‘Research Project Scholarship’ and type in ‘FRP-LUO' in the 'Name of scholarship' field.