UK : PhD Studentship Development of a Mechanistic Wear Model for Analysing the Performance of Total Knee Replacement

University of Southampton - School of Engineering Sciences

A PhD studentship is now available in the Bioengineering Sciences research group, School of Engineering Sciences (SES), which fully covers University tuition fees (at EU/UK level**) and provides a tax-free bursary of £13,290 per year, rising annually in line with the UK Government (EPSRC) recommended rate, for a 3-year duration. **EU/UK fees £3390 p.a., Overseas fee £13,885 p.a. (figures subject to annual increase).

The project is open to UK/EU and overseas applicants. However, there is NO additional funding available for overseas fees. We regret it will not be possible to consider your application unless you can provide funding from other sources to pay the fees difference (£10,495 for 2009/10).

Project description:

Wear of polyethylene is the limiting factor influencing the longevity of total knee replacement (TKR). Currently wear of TKR designs is assessed through experimental tests, but these are expensive, time consuming and as a consequence are only able to assess a limited range of activities. Recently, computational tools have been developed to simulate wear and the initial results look promising. These fast and efficient tools provide greater flexibility and allow more rigorous analysis of the wear potential for new implant designs. However, the wear model used in the computational studies is relatively simple, based around an adaptation of a wear algorithm which does not adequately capture the physics of the wear process.

The aim of this project is to develop a mechanistic model of the wear process and to validate this against experimental data from simplified pin-on-disk machines through to knee wear machines. The project will involve close interaction with the sponsoring company (DePuy International) and requires a person with a background/interest in computational modelling techniques, particularly multi-body dynamics or finite element analysis.

Entry requirements: The studentship is available to candidates with the equivalent of a first class or upper second class degree in relevant disciplines, e.g. mechanical engineering, biomechanical engineering. The studentship is at the standard EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council) rate, commencing 1 February 2010. Closing date for applications: 10 January 2010.

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Dr Georges Limbert, Bioengineering Sciences Research Group, SES, University of Southampton, Tel: +44-(0)23-8059-2381. Email g.limbert@soton.ac.uk

How to apply: An on-line application form (or hard copy version) with guidance notes can be accessed here: http://www.soton.ac.uk/ses/courses/pg/pgapply.html

Please read the notes carefully before applying. Applications will only be considered on receipt of a completed application form.

You can attach your supporting documents to the on-line application. If you are unable to do this, please send by email to Julia Zimbler jfz@soton.ac.uk (or send by fax or post if you are unable to send them electronically):Julia Zimbler, Postgraduate Admissions, Graduate School Office, School of Engineering Sciences, Room 4009, Lanchester Building, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK.

Fax: +44 (0) 2380 59 5167.

Please ensure you include a personal statement in your application, stating why you particularly want to do a PhD, why you think you are suited to a research degree and what particularly attracts you to this project.

Please also visit www.soton.ac.uk/ses for further information about the School and its research activities.

PLEASE DO NOT APPLY ONLINE BELOW. THANK YOU.