This PhD research scholarship is funded through an Australian Research Council Discovery Project to support a full-time PhD student to undertake cutting-edge research in Non-contact Ultrasonic Techniques for Damage Detection in Structures with Challenging Surface Conditions.

Early-stage damage detection is crucial for maintaining structural integrity across various engineering applications. While ultrasonic guided wave techniques have shown great promise for damage identification, current approaches predominantly depend on contact-based methods using piezoelectric transducers or conventional probes. These methods face significant limitations when applied to structures with complex surface conditions or in hard-to-access locations, and often lack sufficient sensitivity for reliable early-stage damage detection.

This research project will investigate the fundamental physics of ultrasonic wave generation, propagation and measurement using advanced non-contact techniques, with particular focus on challenging surface conditions. Through a combination of analytical modelling, numerical simulations, and experimental validation, the study aims to develop new physical insights into wave behaviour in these complex scenarios. Building on these fundamental understandings, the project will create novel signal processing and damage detection algorithms capable of quantitatively identifying early-stage structural damage. The expected outcomes include both theoretical advancements in understanding non-contact ultrasonic wave phenomena and practical methodologies for damage detection that can be applied to real-world structures with complex geometries or surface conditions.

Research Team and Environment:

The student will work in a vibrant, and multi-disciplinary team comprising of experts from School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, and School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering. During the PhD study, the student will be supported by well-established supervisors, experienced early-career researchers, and senior PhD students within a supportive research environment. The findings from this project have the potential to revolutionise non-destructive inspection for structures with challenging conditions.

Eligibility: 

Applicants must be Australian citizens, permanent residents of Australia, or international students who are acceptable candidates for a PhD degree at the University of Adelaide. Applicants must hold an Honours-level qualification (First Class) or equivalent in engineering fields. 

The following skillset and experience will be advantageous:

• First Class Honours or Masters degree in Civil or Mechanical Engineering
• Skills in analytical and numerical modelling of ultrasonic waves
• Experience in experimental studies of ultrasonic waves
• Good communication and problem-solving skills
• Knowledge in data analytics is desirable

Stipend: 

The scholarship will be for up to 3 years and has a stipend of $35,921 (indexed annually) per annum. It is likely to be tax exempt, subject to Taxation Office approval. 

Enquiries: 

Contact Person: Prof (Alex) Ching Tai Ng

School/Discipline of:  School of Architecture and Civil Engineering

Email: alex.ng@adelaide.edu.au  

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Expression of interest 

Expressions of interest should be submitted to Professor (Alex) Ching Tai Ng [alex.ng@adelaiade.edu.au] with the name of scholarship in the subject heading. Please ensure you include all of the following documents:

• Evidence of Australian or New Zealand citizenship, or Australian permanent resident status (if applicable)
• Degree certificates (testamurs)
• Academic transcripts
• Translations of non-English documentation
• Evidence of English language proficiency
• Curriculum vitae