PhD Studentship: The Impact of Bob-skeleton Sled Dynamics on Steering Performance

The sport of skeleton presents the engineer with a complex multi-physics challenge where marginal performance gains can make the difference between success and failure. The Performance Sports Engineering laboratory has worked closely with the English Institute of Sport (Research & Innovation) and British Skeleton for over a decade and played its part in the Olympic success of Amy Williams (2010), Lizzy Yarnold (2014, 2018), Laura Deas (2018) and Dom Parsons (2018). The majority of this work has been through focussed PhD programmes examining in detail the physics of how a sled and slider can maximise their chances of success.

There is considerable scope to understand better how a slider initiates a control manoeuvre of the sled while descending on ice. This is a complex process that includes the influence of reaction time and what cues are used, the method whereby the slider activates the control of the sled's descent trajectory, the resultant dynamic distortion of the sled structure and the physics of the reaction force between the runner and ice. What is required is the development of a model that represents all components of this process and can support the coaches and athletes to better understand how they achieve optimum performance on a given track.

We are looking for a highly motivated individual, who is prepared to work across disciplines and grow their skills. You should have an active interest in sport, be able to work well within a team environment, be excited about answering fundamental research questions alongside delivering research that has a real impact. We are looking for first class candidates with a background in mechanical engineering, ship science, aerospace, physics or mathematics. You should be confident with coding as well as experimentation and be happy to spend extended periods of time embedded within the sport conducting your research.

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Dr Joe Banks, Fluid Structure Interaction research group, Email:J.Banks@soton.ac.uk, Tel: +44 (0) 2380 59 6625.

 

Funding and Eligibility

This project has funding from EPSRC, which covers home-rate tuition fees and provide a tax-free stipend.

The funding is only available to UK citizens or EU citizens who have been resident in the UK for at least 3 years prior to the start of the studentship and not mainly for the purpose of receiving full-time education. (For more details, see EPSRC Student Eligibility http://www.epsrc.ac.uk/skills/students/help/Pages/eligibility.aspx or contact our PGR Admissions Team at feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk)

We can also offer an enhanced tax free stipend for excellent applicants.