PhD Title

A Heterarchical Model for Soil Erosion from Internal Flow to Global Failure

Supervisors: Dr Benjy Marks, Prof Itai Einav and Prof Alexander Scheuermann
Institution: SciGEM, School of Civil Engineering, The University of Sydney

Synopsis

This project will develop a new approach to understand soil erosion in earth dams, from internal mechanisms to large-scale failures. It fills a significant gap in existing models, which cannot fully represent the complex, multi-scale processes of internal erosion. This approach combines detailed laboratory and field experiments with sophisticated computational modelling. It will create a reliable tool for predicting and mitigating dam failures, improving safety, resource management, and sustainability in water infrastructure.

We are seeking two highly motivated and talented PhD candidates to join the team for this project. An ideal candidate will have a strong academic background in geotechnical engineering, civil engineering, computational mechanics, fluid mechanics, or a related field. Experience with numerical modelling techniques (e.g., DEM, FEM), computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and/or experimental methods (e.g., X-ray radiography, TDR) is highly desirable. Successful candidates will possess excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, a strong work ethic, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team. The project will involve a combination of numerical modelling, laboratory experiments, and potentially field work, requiring a candidate with a diverse skillset and a willingness to learn. You will receive comprehensive training in heterarchical modelling, advanced experimental techniques, and data analysis. You will also have the opportunity to collaborate with leading experts in the field and to present your research findings at international conferences.

Research Environment

With this PhD, you will join the Sydney Centre in Geomechanics and Mining Materials (SciGEM) at the School of Civil Engineering, The University of Sydney. SciGEM is leading research in applied granular physics internationally. It is a vibrant research environment with a tight-knit team of researchers: a dozen academics, several post-doctoral fellows and about 20 doctoral research students. You will directly benefit from the vast expertise in physics, geomechanics, geotechnical engineering, experimental methods and simulation techniques. You will also directly benefit from SciGEM’s cutting edge experimental facilities.

Your role

Under the guidance of your supervisors, you will be expected to:

• Design and conduct experiments
• Collect and analyse data
• Develop mathematical models of excavation energy losses
• Communicate your findings in domestic and international conferences, and via publication in scientific, peer-reviewed journals

Essential qualities

This project is to be undertaken by someone who is:

• Passionate about it
• Willing to learn
• Able and willing to work in a team
• Naturally proactive and independent thinker
• Holds a 1st class Honours or Masters or equivalent degree in mathematics, physics, computer science or engineering

Desirable skills:

The project will involve the following skills. Your experience in any of them is desirable, your willingness to acquire them is essential:

• Applied physics and mechanics
• Laboratory experimentation
• Development of new imaging techniques
• Coding using Python
• Writing using LaTeX

Scholarship

The HDR scholarship is $41,753 per year for three years. HDR candidates are encouraged to take on additional paid teaching activities (e.g. tutoring) which usually amount to an extra $5k to $10k per year

To apply

Send your application by email to Dr Benjy Marks benjy.marks@sydney.edu.au including:

• Your CV
• Your transcripts (Honours and/or Master)
• A cover letter explaining:
  • what makes you want to work on this topic,
  • what make you a good fit for this topic,
  • a short research proposal (~half page) describing your vision of the research to be done.