Ciência sem Fronteiras (Science Without Borders)
PhD Project Template:
PI name & contact details:
David Corcoran
Department
Physics & Energy
Has project been agreed with head (or
nominee) of proposed registration school?
Yes
Research Centre / group affiliation:
Complex Systems
Research group / centre website:
www.energy.ul.ie/research/complex-systems
PI website / link to CV:
www.energy.ul.ie/people/faculty/dr-david-corcoran
http://scholar.google.com/citations?user=fyLMXEAAAAJ&hl=en
Brief summary of PI research / research group / centre activity (2 or 3 lines max):
The application of statistical mechanics to complex out of-equilibrium systems is still today only in
the development stage. We therefore investigate a broad spectrum of systems which exhibit what
we term disorder dynamics including electromigration in thin metal films, earthquakes, and sheared
granular media using experimental and computational modelling techniques.
Title & brief description of PhD project (suitable for publication on web):
Cellular Automata model of thin polymer film and nanoparticle de-wetting
Combining thin polymer films with nanoparticles can lead to new materials with unique electrical,
mechanical, optical or antimicrobial properties for use in devices and coatings. Controlling thin film
stability and pattern formation is crucial for applications. The aim of this project is to model the
dewetting and pattern formation process using a cellular automata by adapting the approach of
Rabani et al. Nature, Volume 426, page 271 (2003), and to use this to explore the pattern formation
process in this system and to interpret recent experimental findings in the area.
Unique selling points of PhD project in UL:
The University of Limerick (UL) with over 11,500 students and 1,300 staff is an energetic and
enterprising institution with a proud record of innovation and excellence in education, research and
scholarship. It is widely recognized for the outstanding student experience it offers to all its students,
the excellence of its research and the impact it is making on our society and our economy. In 2011
UL, was independently evaluated by the international university rating agency QS Stars and was
awarded the maximum 5-star rating in 6 categories namely, teaching, engagement,
internationalization, innovation and knowledge transfer, infrastructure, and employability of UL
graduates.
Name & contact details for project queries, if different from PI named above:
Please indicate the graduates of which disciplines that should apply:
Mathematical Physics, Theoretical Physics and Physics.
Please indicate whether students can apply for:
Sandwich programme only
Full PhD programme only
X
Either of the above
Ciência sem Fronteiras / Science Without Borders Priority Area:
Please indicate the specific programme priority area under which the proposed PhD project fits- choose only
one (tick box):
Engineering and other technological areas
Pure and Natural Sciences (e.g. mathematics, physics, chemistry)
Health and Biomedical Sciences
Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs)
Aerospace
Pharmaceuticals
Oil, Gas and Coal
Renewable Energy
Minerals
Biotechnology
Nanotechnology and New Materials
X
Technology of prevention and remediation of natural disasters
Biodiversity and Bioprospection
Marine Sciences
Creative Industry
New technologies in constructive engineering