PhD Study : Evolution of the race track / tire interface

Apply and key information  

Summary

This project considers evolution of the race track surface / tire interface as it changes over its life. A race track has surface texture at a range of scales from micro-scale roughness of the aggregate particles to larger macro-scale roughness created by combining aggregates of different sizes to form the asphalt layer. Tire rubber deforms or envelopes these track surface texture scales influencing dry and wet grip, tire wear / degradation; lap times etc. There is little published about this interface and how it evolves. Motor-sport has tended to concentrate on areas such as aero-dynamics, suspension setups and tire choice.

Whilst there is considerable interest in tire wear / degradation and grip there is little published on the race track surface which forms the other part of this interface. Meetings with representatives from motorsport i.e. the governing bodies, F1 teams and race-track owners have confirmed the need to know more.

This project builds on years of research at Ulster University into better understanding the performance of asphalt surface / tire interface related characteristics such as skid resistance, noise generation and rolling resistance. Roads and racetracks use the same types of surfacing material only the type and severity of trafficking differs. Following construction bitumen is worn away at the interface by the tire and the aggregate starts to polish. A racing line then develops in response to how the car / bike interacts with the race track surface. The race track will then develop a longer-term equilibrium condition with the tire / surface interface effected over shorter time periods by the effects of rain, temperature and tire rubber deposits. All of which effect the car / bike and its lap times.

Project aim:

To better understand evolution of the race track / tire interface.

Project objectives:

*Development of laboratory test methods that better predict how asphalt mixes evolve interface characteristics relevant to motorsport.

*Create new types of track surface / tire interface data that can be used to improve simulation models.

*Standardise measurement of the race track / tire interface in terms of grip and tire wear.

*Make recommendations to the motorsport governing bodies that allow all tracks around the world to be compared in a standardised way.

The project will involve collaboration with R3 Ltd and its contacts with motorsport around the world. It will involve race-team’s, tire manufacturers, race track owners and motorsport governing bodies. The project will impact motor-sport.

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.

  • Clearly defined research proposal detailing background, research questions, aims and methodology

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

  • Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
  • Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
  • Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

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.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

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

The Doctoral College at Ulster University

Key dates

Submission deadline
Friday 7 February 2020
12:00AM

Interview Date
Week beginning 9 March 2020

Preferred student start date
Mid September 2020

Applying

Apply Online  

Contact supervisor

Dr David Woodward

Other supervisors

  • Dr Campbell Waddell