Funding

Self-funded

Project code

SCES7680423

Department

School of Civil Engineering and Surveying

Start dates

October, February and April

Application deadline

Applications accepted all year round

Applications are invited for a self-funded, 3-year full-time or 6-year part time PhD project.

The PhD will be based in the School of Civil Engineering & Surveying, and will be supervised by Dr Laurie Clough and Dr Nikos Nanos.

The work on this project could involve:

  • Desktop study investigating existing oil and gas pipeline technologies and finding new materials for pipeline protection and/or replacement
  • Experimental study testing typical pipes to combined thermal and impact loading
  • Experimental study testing pipes with new protective measure and/or material to reduce local and global damage
  • Numerical modelling to predict response of pipelines to full thermal and impact loads akin to typical in-service and accidental temperatures and impact loads.

With ever increasing security issues transmitting oil and gas across countries, continents, seas and oceans the safety of main pipelines is imperative for ensuring consistent energy supplies and avoidance of catastrophic events. Gas and Oil pipelines operate at widely varying temperatures due to properties of transmitted fluids and external local conditions. In recent years several catastrophic events (accidental and intentional) at oil/gas rigs, refineries and pipelines have led to fatalities and permanent destruction of critical infrastructure facilities. This project will investigate the response of typical oil/gas pipes under combined thermal and impact loads. New material options and protective measures will be investigated to reduce the local and global damage to these pipes.

Entry requirements

You'll need a good first degree from an internationally recognised university (minimum upper second class or equivalent, depending on your chosen course) or a Master’s degree in an appropriate subject. In exceptional cases, we may consider equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications. English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.

Numerical modelling (Finite Element Analysis) experience is essential.

How to apply

We encourage you to contact Dr Laurie Clough (laurie.clough@port.ac.uk) to discuss your interest before you apply, quoting the project code.

When you are ready to apply, please follow the 'Apply now' link on the Civil Engineering PhD subject area page and select the link for the relevant intake. Make sure you submit a personal statement, proof of your degrees and grades, details of two referees, proof of your English language proficiency and an up-to-date CV. Our ‘How to Apply’ page offers further guidance on the PhD application process. 

When applying please quote project code: SCES7680423.