About the Project

The Strathclyde Centre for Doctoral Training (SCDT) in "Data-driven uncertainty-aware multiphysics simulations" (StrathDRUMS) is a new, multi-disciplinary centre of the University of Strathclyde, which will carry out cutting-edge research in data-driven modelling and uncertainty quantification for multiphysics engineering systems. StrathDRUMS will train the next generation of specialists to apply non-deterministic model updating, digital twin techniques, and advanced uncertainty treatments to real-world challenges in civil and aerospace engineering. In our research we aim to study complex systems such as aeroplanes, spacecrafts, buildings and bridges using rigorous mathematical concepts, formulations and computational methods.

We are pleased to announce an available funded 3.5 year PhD studentship project within the centre on “Robust updating and digital twin extrapolation in space object re-entry monitoring”.

Since increasing incidents of uncontrolled space debris landing on Earth, even impacting residential areas, space objects re-entry prediction has been a significant issue for sustainable space exploration. A precise prediction of landing region is still an open question mainly caused by the two difficulties:

1. Multiphysics coupling, among structural dynamics, thermodynamics, aerodynamics, and astrodynamics, leads the full-order numerical model extremely time-consuming and with inevitable modelling errors
2. Multisource and mix-type uncertainties, from initial orbital/attitude conditions, atmosphere characteristics, various space disturbance, further contaminate the truthfulness of the re-entry model. In this challenge, we aim to develop robust and efficient simulation solutions of the re-entry monitoring and prediction

Beside the uncertainty treatment and robust model updating, a key technique to be developed is a digital twin to extrapolate the ground data-based model to the real-time space environment, where independent-but-limited measurement data is available. Such a digital twin application requires fast-updating and bidirectional data interaction.

Environment and Training

The student will be based in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Strathclyde, while benefitting from shared supervision by the wider SCDT team. The student interests and background will be aligned to one of StrathDRUMS partners, which include National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS), National Physical Laboratory (NPL), and UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA). The student will thus be integrated within a vibrant and active multi-disciplinary research team with in-house training opportunities available across multiple faculties. In addition to undertaking cutting-edge research, the student will be registered for the Postgraduate Certificate in Researcher Development (PGCert), which is a supplementary qualification to develop core skills, networks, and career prospects.

Role

The successful candidate will be expected to conduct high-quality research in the areas of computational uncertainty quantification, participate in relevant training activities and events provided by StrathDRUMS, disseminate research findings through publications and presentations, contribute to the wider research community through engagement and collaboration with other researchers.