Degree type
PhD
Closing date
1 June 2024
Campus
Launceston
Citizenship requirement
Domestic
About the research project
Numerous studies investigate the impact of corrosion on fatigue life. These studies primarily focus on the accelerated crack growth rate in a corrosive environment under cyclic loading. Researchers have developed models to understand the relationship between crack growth rate and fatigue life, as well as to simulate the effects of corrosion pitting. However, the combined effects of crack initiation and propagation have not been thoroughly explored. Additionally, the significance of pitting in crack nucleation may be underestimated. The impact of pits on fatigue performance within the Heat-Affected Zone (HAZ) is an area of research that necessitates further investigation as environmental conditions become more severe. Now, there is scarce research available regarding the utilization of cyclic loading to study the transition from pits to cracks in structural steel materials used for offshore purposes. Another factor that could impact CF is the presence of corrosion products. However, there has been limited research conducted on this aspect. Consequently, this study aims to assess the feasibility of the proposed models and enhance them for simulating the impact of various factors such as corrosion pitting, crack growth, and stress ratio on fatigue life. The main focus of this research is regarding the CF of steels in seawater particularly for offshore structures such as offshore wind turbines that are subjected to wave loading. Therefore, the following are the primary objectives of the current study:
1. Conduct a comprehensive literature review on the existing methods and models for CF analysis and identify the limitations and challenges.
2. Find out how material, operational and environmental parameters affect CF crack initiation and growth to clarify the mechanism of CF for Hot-rolled S355 steel that is typically used in offshore wind turbine foundations.
3. Collect and preprocess the experimental data of CF tests on different materials and geometries for validating and evaluating the performance and accuracy of the proposed method.
4. Integrate fatigue life prediction with technologies like machine learning to produce simulations to develop a smart system in OWT and minimize the CF damage and maximize the fatigue life of the materials by finding the optimal test conditions and parameters.
Primary Supervisor
Meet Dr Til BaalisampangFunding
Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:
- a living allowance stipend of $32,192 per annum (2024 rate, indexed annually) for 3.5 years
- a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
- a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)
If successful, international applicants will receive a University of Tasmania Fees Offset for up to four years.
As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.
Other funding opportunities and fees
For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees of undertaking a research degree, please visit our Scholarships and fees on research degrees page.
Eligibility
Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.
Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.
Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:
- Applicants must be able to undertake the project on-campus
Selection Criteria
The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.
Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:
- A First-Class Honours degree Honours/master's degree in engineering or science
- Experience in material science, environmental engineering, mechanical engineering, maritime engineering or other environmental sampling/analysis is preferred.
Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:
- Applicants must have in-depth knowledge of offshore structures and safety engineering
- Experience in statistical/probabilistic modelling
Application process
- Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
- Contact Dr Til Baalisampang to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
- In your application:
- Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
- Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
- Apply prior to 1 June 2024.
Full details of the application process can be found under the 'How to apply' section of the Research Degrees website.
Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.
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