PhD Study : Modelling High Speed Friction

Summary

This project builds on the successful research project completed by Ulster in collaboration with Highways England and AECOM Innovation in High Speed Friction Measurement.  This highlighted that past research in this arena has delivered disparate results, with researchers focussing on their respective areas of expertise, be it vehicular or infrastructural. Both fields rarely overlapped, and so never gave a joined-up picture particularly at motorway speeds.  The aim therefore of this PhD thesis is to explore, evaluate and critically appraise the fundamental factors that hold a vehicle to the road - to understand the fundamental scientific physical principles that govern the relationship and interaction between a vehicle tyre and the surface of a paved road. The first objective is to improve the understanding of the relationship between a vehicle tyre, in motion and in a skid, with the pavement it is in contact with.   The relationship will then be modelled in a realistic way which will benefit the highways agencies and ultimately the users of the strategic highway networks. It is anticipated that vehicle data (e.g. ABS) will be explored to assess the application of the model and how it might be used to map the condition of the strategic highway networks. The project will require field and laboratory studies including friction measurement, 3-dimensional modelling and analysis and spatial mapping.  All resources required for completion of the project are available, though are likely to evolve as the project develops.

Opportunities exist for collaboration with national roads authorities including Transport Northern Ireland (TNI), Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), Highways England (HE) and the tyre, aggregates, bitumen and asphalt industries.

A relevant postgraduate qualification will be an advantage.

The skills required will include a working knowledge of a broad range of standard software packages, an ability to analyses digital data and an ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living