Available Projects
The project list below helps self-funded and externally sponsored applicants (scholarship) connect with a prospective supervisor.
Applications are welcome from those who can support themselves or have funding already arranged. Such applications will go through the same level of academic assessment. Please see the fee arrangementsLink opens in a new window for PGR students.
Phenomenological modelling of human gait under vibration
How does the human body dynamically adapt when the ground beneath us vibrates? Human gait on vibrating surfaces produces challenging nonlinear dynamics, with implications for biomechanics, fall prevention, and the design of pedestrian structures. This project will use experimental data to develop a phenomenological model capturing effects of vibration exposure on gait dynamics. It is ideal for students fascinated by mathematical modelling, nonlinear dynamics, and gait analysis.
Primary supervisor: Bintian Lin - Bintian.Lin@warwick.ac.uk
Project detail:
Human gait on vibrating surfaces has important implications for biomechanics, fall prevention, and the design of pedestrian structures such as footbridges. Yet, when the supporting surface vibrates, human gait produces complex nonlinear dynamics, as the body continuously adapts its movement to external excitation.
This project aims to develop a mathematical model capable of describing and predicting human gait under different vibration conditions. The study will utilise a unique experimental dataset collected at the cutting-edge VSimulator research facility at the University of Exeter, incorporating full-body motion capture and force-plate measurements from humans walking on a motion platform under controlled vibration conditions. Using these experimental data, phenomenological modelling will be developed to identify the underlying dynamical characteristics of human adaptation to vibrating support surfaces.
The project provides an opportunity to explore how experimental biomechanics can be translated into mathematical descriptions of complex human–structure interaction. It is particularly suited to students fascinated by mathematical modelling, nonlinear dynamics, perturbation methods, dynamical systems, biomechanics, and gait analysis.
How to apply for admission: www.warwick.ac.uk/pgrengineering
The University of Warwick provides an inclusive working and learning environment, recognising and respecting every individual’s differences. We welcome applications from individuals who identify with any of the protected characteristics defined by the Equality Act 2010.