PhD Project: Modelling Resilience of Water Distribution Networks

University of Nottingham; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Nottingham invites applications for a PhD project supervised by the Faculty of Engineering to develop a modelling approach and supporting software for assessing water network resilience. The project focuses on predicting performance under partial/complete link failures and identifying critical links to improve robustness.

Starting October 2027, an enthusiastic graduate with a 1st class degree in engineering, maths, or a relevant discipline is required; a Masters is preferred, with

Qualifications

• Starting October 2027, we require an enthusiastic graduate with a 1st class degree in engineering, maths or a relevant discipline, preferably at Masters level.
• In exceptional circumstances a 2:1 degree can be considered.

Responsibilities

• Develop a modelling approach and supporting software to assess water network resilience.
• Predict key performance indicators when links fail fully or partially.
• Identify critical links that most affect network performance and propose resource allocation strategies to improve robustness.

Education

First class degree

Masters degree preferred

Job description

Supervised by Rasa Remenyte-Prescott (Faculty of Engineering)

Aim: To develop a modelling approach for assessing water network resilience

One of the essential networks for society is water distribution networks. The delivery of water to the customers is affected through different threats to the system. These include failure of components in the system, which are accelerated through the aging of the infrastructure; climate change, due to changing weather conditions and environmental factors impacting on the system; and deliberate planned acts, such as targeted terrorist activities.

This exciting project will focus on developing a mathematical model (and a supporting research software) to predict the key performance indicators of a water network, when links in the network are fully or partially failed. It will investigate the impact of the different threat types and identify the critical links in the network, which most affect the network performance. Resilience evaluation will consist of proposing a method for the best use of resource allocation, which will make water networks robust and resilient to these threats.

Summary: Open to UK/EU/overseas students. Look for funding sources at www.nottingham.ac.uk/pgstudy/funding/postgraduate-funding.aspx

Entry Requirements: Starting October 2027, we require an enthusiastic graduate with a 1st class degree in engineering, maths or a relevant discipline, preferably at Masters level (in exceptional circumstances a 2:1 degree can be considered).

For any enquiries about the project please email Rasa Remenyte-Prescott ([e-mail])

This position is open until filled. Early application is strongly encouraged.