Available Masters and Ph.D. Positions (fully-funded)

Dr. Hawlader accepts new graduate students (research-based masters and Ph.D.) in the followings research areas:

Large-scale landslide modeling: Large-scale landslides usually occur by successive failure of soil blocks, which could cause retrogression of several hundred meters in the upslope area. On the other hand, the debris might travel a long distance, especially in offshore environments. This type of landslides cannot be analyzed using traditional limit equilibrium and Lagrangian-based finite element methods. In this research, large-deformation finite element and computational fluid dynamics approaches will be used to model the failure and runout, and their impact on infrastructure.

Soil-structure interaction: The response of buried pipelines for axial, lateral, vertical and oblique displacements will be investigated for different environments, such as pipelines in offshore and cold regions. Implementation of advanced constitutive models, including the low-stress behaviour and freeze-thaw, would be required. For pile-soil interaction, the research will be conducted for challenging conditions, such as piles in offshore environment and sensitive clays.

Geotechnical characterization: Laboratory tests will be conducted using advanced triaxial and direct simple shear apparatus. The soil behaviour for a wide range of confining pressures under monotonic and cyclic loading and its practical applications will be the focus of this research.

Qualifications: The applicant must have a strong academic background, preferably in civil engineering. The students interested in mechanics-based research, computer programming, FE and CFD analysis, and advanced laboratory testing are encouraged to contact Dr. Hawlader at bipul@mun.ca.

Memorial University is committed to employment equity and diversity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including women; people of any sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression; indigenous peoples; visible minorities, and racialized people; and people with disabilities.