Faculty/School

Faculty of Science

School of Mathematical Sciences

Topic status

We're looking for students to study this topic.

Research centre

Primary Supervisor

Associate Professor Pascal Buenzli
Position
Associate Professor
Division / Faculty
Faculty of Science

Other QUT supervisors

Associate Professor Vivien Challis
Position
Associate Professor in Applied and Computational Mathematics
Division / Faculty
Faculty of Science

Overview

Beam theory is an approximation of continuum mechanics to estimate stresses and strains in the midshaft of a long beam. Beam theory is traditionally formulated for homogenous materials of constant elasticity. It has been extended to layered materials composed of several materials, but some aspects of layered beams do not apply to porous materials, where the porous phase is essentially not load bearing.

In this project, you will extend beam theory to porous materials with nonuniform porosity, and explore the effect of various assumptions for stress concentration effects. You will compare these extensions with numerical estimates of stresses computed using finite element modelling to validate or invalidate assumptions made.

Research engagement

You will be exposed to established and leading-edge research from the literature, and have the opportunity to develop novel mathematical models and develop bespoke computer code to numerically simulate the models.

Research activities

You will work closely and meet regularly with the supervisory team to carry out all aspects of the project, including engaging with key literature, developing new mathematical models, performing mathematical analyses and numerical simulations, and comparing with experimental observations.

Research skills

Research skills you will acquire include reading and understanding specialised literature on continuum mechanics and beam theory, applying established and novel evaluations of mechanical stress in complex materials, and critically analysing results obtained. You will also develop skills in presenting your results to a general and specialist audience.

Outcomes

The outcomes of this projects are new understandings of how beam theory should be modified for porous materials for an accurate representation of stress concentration effects in porous materials such as bone by this theory.

Skills and experience

This project can be tailored to suit research students at VRES, Honours, Masters, and PhD level. Some proficiency in numerical methods and computer modelling is expected.

Start date

2 November, 2026

End date

19 February, 2027

Location

Gardens Point, QUT

Additional information

The supervisory team may take some leave over the summer breaks. Suitable dates will be arranged within this period.

Keywords

Contact

Pascal Buenzli

x81558

pascal.buenzli@qut.edu.au