Degree type
PhD
Closing date
1 February 2025
Campus
Hobart
Citizenship requirement
Domestic / International
About the research project
Climate change is expected to result in more frequent and intense precipitation events in many regions. Heavy rainfall can trigger debris flows by saturating the soil and increasing pore water pressure, reducing the friction that holds materials in place. Debris flows are rapid movements of water-saturated, unconsolidated material (such as soil, rocks, and organic matter) down a slope. These flows can be extremely destructive, posing risks to infrastructure, property, and human life. This PhD project aims to advance the understanding of viscoplastic debris flows, characterized by their complex rheological behavior, to improve prediction, mitigation, and management strategies. This research will enhance the predictive capability for debris flows, contributing to safer infrastructure design and more effective disaster risk management. The findings will benefit not only the academic community but also engineers, urban planners, and policymakers involved in mitigating the risks associated with debris flows.
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Primary Supervisor
Funding
Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:
- a living allowance stipend of $33,511 per annum (2025 rate, indexed annually) for 3.5 years
- a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
- a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)
If successful, international applicants will receive a University of Tasmania Fees Offset for up to four years.
As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.
Other funding opportunities and fees
For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees of undertaking a research degree, please visit Scholarships and fees.
Eligibility
Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.
Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.
Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:
- Applicants must be able to undertake the project on-campus
Selection Criteria
The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.
Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:
- A strong academic background in Mechanical or Civil engineering
- Proficiency in numerical modeling and computational methods
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication and teamwork abilities
Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:
- Knowledge of a programming language(s)
Application process
- Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
- Contact Dr Gholamreza Kefayati to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
- In your application:
- Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
- Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
- Apply prior to 1 February 2025.
Full details of the application process can be found under the 'How to apply' section at Research degrees.
Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.
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