Hyperloop: modelling the transport structures of the future

Summary

Hyperloop is a revolutionary new method of transportation that aims to move passengers at speeds greater than 1000 km/h. It’s potential as the future of transport has resulted in significant media attention, numerous start-up companies and the proposal of lines throughout the world. It transports passengers in pods, within a tube held in a partial vacuum. This reduces the friction and drag associated with existing ground transportation modes, resulting in reduced energy consumption and increased speeds.

A challenge with moving at such high speeds however is the high forces imposed on the tube and it’s foundations. Therefore this project will develop a computer model to understand the structural behaviour of Hyperloop tubes. Novel tube shapes and materials will be explored and new designs proposed, with the aim of arriving at an optimised Hyperloop design. Therefore the project has the potential to shape this transport mode of the future.

The project is open to holders of all numerically related degrees, and the ideal candidate will have some coding experience (e.g. matlab). Please specify a suggested start date in your application.

The project is within the Institute for High Speed Rail at the University of Leeds. Therefore there will be opportunities for industry collaboration and to interact with cutting-edge testing facilities. Project supervisors are: Dr D Connolly (Primary) and Prof. P Woodward (Secondary).

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.