Research Associate in Finite Elements and Multibody Dynamics Based Modelling of a Robotic Hoof (Imperial College London Dyson School of Design Engineering)

Job summary A research associate is required to work on an exciting research project on Finite Elements and multibody dynamics based Modelling of a Robotic Hoof, to work as part of the EU H2020 funded Natural Intelligence project: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101016970 The successful candidate will lead the design and development of the Finite Elements and multibody dynamics-based modelling of a robotic hoof inspired by a mountain goat hoof. The... Job listing information Reference ENG01573 Date posted 11 February 2021 Closing date 14 March 2021 Key information about the role Location South Kensington Campus (map) Position type Full time, fixed term Salary £40,858 – £46,345 plus benefits Department Dyson School of Design Engineering Category Researcher / Non Clinical Researcher Job description Job summary A research associate is required to work on an exciting research project on Finite Elements and multibody dynamics based Modelling of a Robotic Hoof, to work as part of the EU H2020 funded Natural Intelligence project: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101016970 The successful candidate will lead the design and development of the Finite Elements and multibody dynamics-based modelling of a robotic hoof inspired by a mountain goat hoof. The scientific objective is to establish an analytical framework to design a hoofed robotic leg that maximises its passive dynamic contribution for stable locomotion on a mountain slope. To further this ambition, we will use detailed kinematics, dynamics and contact modelling through using novel combined finite element (FEM) and multi-body dynamics (MBD) simulations to map temporal and spacial propagation patterns of vibration and shape change across the hoofed leg mechanism at collision and stance phase including slippage. The candidate is expected to closely collaborate with partners in other EU partner institutes of the Natural Intelligence Consortium to conduct experiments and to integrate results. The candidate will work under the supervision of Dr Thrishantha Nanayakkara (Director of Morph Lab: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/morph-lab, email: t.nanayakkara@imperial.ac.uk) or Dr Mazdak Ghajari (Director of HEAD lab: http://www.imperial.ac.uk/human-experience-analysis-design/, email: m.ghajari@imperial.ac.uk). Duties and responsibilities • To design a mountain goat inspired robotic leg with a hoof and a knee joint. • To build a finite element (FEM) and multi-body dynamics (MBD) simulations to model the bioinspired robotic leg. • To conduct analytical and experimental studies to understand the key design parameters to improve efficiency, stability, and slip resistance during locomotion with these legs. • To maintain accurate and complete records of all findings. • To attend relevant workshops and conferences as necessary. • To closely collaborate with the rest of the consortium to meet deliverable deadlines. Essential requirements • A PhD degree in areas related with biomechanics, robotics, or mechanical engineering or equivalent experience • Designing and building robotic hardware • Using finite element software, preferably LS-DYNA, for nonlinear and transient analyses • Scientific writing • Biomechanics • Interfacing sensors and actuators • Programming in Python, MATLAB, C++ Further information *Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant within the salary range £36,045 - £39,183 per annum. This is a full time, fixed term position for 20 months. For informal enquiries, please contact Dr Thrishantha Nanayakkara t.nanayakkara@imperial.ac.uk For queries regarding the application process, please contact s.wissing@imperial.ac.uk If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Engineeroxy

Job summary

Job listing information

Reference ENG01573
Date posted 11 February 2021
Closing date 14 March 2021

Key information about the role

Location South Kensington Campus (map)
Position type Full time, fixed term
Salary £40,858 – £46,345 plus benefits
Department Dyson School of Design Engineering
Category Researcher / Non Clinical Researcher

Job description

Job summary

A research associate is required to work on an exciting research project on Finite Elements and multibody dynamics based Modelling of a Robotic Hoof, to work as part of the EU H2020 funded Natural Intelligence project: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101016970 The successful candidate will lead the design and development of the Finite Elements and multibody dynamics-based modelling of a robotic hoof inspired by a mountain goat hoof. The scientific objective is to establish an analytical framework to design a hoofed robotic leg that maximises its passive dynamic contribution for stable locomotion on a mountain slope. To further this ambition, we will use detailed kinematics, dynamics and contact modelling through using novel combined finite element (FEM) and multi-body dynamics (MBD) simulations to map temporal and spacial propagation patterns of vibration and shape change across the hoofed leg mechanism at collision and stance phase including slippage. The candidate is expected to closely collaborate with partners in other EU partner institutes of the Natural Intelligence Consortium to conduct experiments and to integrate results. The candidate will work under the supervision of Dr Thrishantha Nanayakkara (Director of Morph Lab: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/morph-lab, email: t.nanayakkara@imperial.ac.uk) or Dr Mazdak Ghajari (Director of HEAD lab: http://www.imperial.ac.uk/human-experience-analysis-design/, email: m.ghajari@imperial.ac.uk).

Duties and responsibilities

• To design a mountain goat inspired robotic leg with a hoof and a knee joint.
• To build a finite element (FEM) and multi-body dynamics (MBD) simulations to model the bioinspired robotic leg.
• To conduct analytical and experimental studies to understand the key design parameters to improve efficiency, stability, and slip resistance during locomotion with these legs.
• To maintain accurate and complete records of all findings.
• To attend relevant workshops and conferences as necessary.
• To closely collaborate with the rest of the consortium to meet deliverable deadlines.

Essential requirements

• A PhD degree in areas related with biomechanics, robotics, or mechanical engineering or equivalent experience
• Designing and building robotic hardware
• Using finite element software, preferably LS-DYNA, for nonlinear and transient analyses
• Scientific writing
• Biomechanics
• Interfacing sensors and actuators
• Programming in Python, MATLAB, C++

Further information

*Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant within the salary range £36,045 - £39,183 per annum.

This is a full time, fixed term position for 20 months.

For informal enquiries, please contact Dr Thrishantha Nanayakkara t.nanayakkara@imperial.ac.uk

For queries regarding the application process, please contact s.wissing@imperial.ac.uk

If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Engineeroxy

Apply

All Jobs