PhD in Structural Health Monitoring and Digital Twin Technologies at University of Rhode Island

Project Overview

This PhD project focuses on advancing structural health monitoring (SHM), damage diagnosis, and prognosis through the development of physics-based and data-driven digital twin technologies. The research integrates experimental, numerical, and field-based monitoring to create interpretable and practical methods for assessing complex engineering systems, such as bridges, buildings, and coastal infrastructure.

What You Will Do

You will join Dr. Vahid Jahangiri's dynamic research group at the University of Rhode Island. The group specializes in smart sensing, hybrid physics-based and AI-enabled modeling, and data-driven analysis across multiple engineering domains. Your work will involve developing innovative solutions combining experimental, numerical, and data-driven approaches to monitor and predict infrastructure health and failures.

Expected Outcomes

The project aims to create reliable digital twin models that enable real-time monitoring and decision-making for infrastructure maintenance and management. This will lead to practical tools for long-term safety assurance and sustainability of critical infrastructure, enhancing maintenance strategies through AI and smart sensing technologies.

Why This Matters

Structural health monitoring and digital twins represent transformative methods for infrastructure management, directly impacting the safety and resilience of vital public assets. The outcomes support sustainable engineering practices, reducing failure risks and maintenance costs while improving reliability in important civil and coastal structures.