Overview
Scholarship type
Number of scholarships to award
Grant
Scholarship coverage
- tuition fee reduction
- other
Description
Heart valve (HV) disease is a major cause of cardiac malfunction with high mortality if left untreated. Over 200,000 patients/year receive bioprosthetic HV replacements, which exhibit superior haemodynamic behaviour and enable transcatheter replacements. However, the material and geometric design of these highly flexible structures is extremely challenging. A detailed understanding of HV loading and the corresponding mechanical strains and stresses is essential to ensure device longevity (37million cardiac cycles per year!), whilst ensuring optimal cardiovascular function for the patient.
This project proposes to integrate state-of-the-art image-based measurement techniques with computational models for a holistic characterisation of HV fluid-structure interaction behaviour. The HVs will be tested in a pulsatile flow mock loop that simulates cardiovascular flow and pressure waveforms.
The PhD student will exploit a combination of digital image correlation (DIC) and particle image velocimetry (PIV) methods to robustly characterise the biomechanical behaviour of the HVs. DIC is a non-contact optical measurement technique that can capture full-field displacement and strain on HVs. DIC is highly adaptable and is widely applied in mechanical testing when complex, non-uniform strain fields are expected and where point-based measurements or hard-wired gauges are impractical and insufficient.
Applicable programmes
Benefits
This scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees and an annual stipend at £19,237.
Additional research expenses will also be available.
Eligibility
- Candidates must hold an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level (or Non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University) in Engineering or similar relevant science discipline. If you are eligible to apply for the scholarship (i.e. a student who is eligible to pay the UK rate of tuition fees) but do not hold a UK degree, you can check their comparison entry requirements (see country specific qualifications).
- They also welcome applications from graduates in computational science or mathematics. Please note that you may need to provide evidence of your English Language proficiency.
- IELTS 6.5 Overall (with no individual component below 5.5) or Swansea University recognised equivalent.
- This scholarship is open to candidates of any nationality.
Scholarship requirements
Disciplines
Locations
Nationality
Study experience required
Age
Application
Application deadline
To apply, please complete your application online with the following information:
Course choice – please select Biomedical Engineering / PhD / Full-time / 3 Years / October
Start year – please select 2024
Funding (page 8) –
‘Are you funding your studies yourself?’ – please select No
‘Name of Individual or organisation providing funds for study’ – please enter ‘RS592 - Bioprosthetic Design Evaluation’
*It is the responsibility of the applicant to list the above information accurately when applying, please note that applications received without the above information listed will not be considered for the scholarship award.
One application is required per individual Swansea University led research scholarship award; applications cannot be considered listing multiple Swansea University led research scholarship awards.