Research Scholarships

Automated inspection by advanced non-destructive testing and condition monitoring

School of Engineering and Design & Brunel Innovation Centre (BIC)

PhD Research Scholarship

Applications are invited for a 3-year research scholarship leading to a PhD, funded by the EC. The project will be based in the Brunel Innovation Centre of Brunel University.

Brunel Innovation Centre (BIC) is located in Cambridge and is a collaboration between TWI and Brunel University. BIC has been created to carry out research and development in the field of acoustic guided waves and associated technologies such as sensors and systems for structural health monitoring, condition monitoring and automated inspection. BIC is now looking for PhD candidates for strengthening its increasing R&D project portfolio.
 
Summary: BIC has various PhD projects in the field of advanced non-destructive inspection methods for applications in industry sectors such as petrochemical, energy, food and engineering. The research will involve development of sensors, modelling, instrumentation for NDT; notably based on ultrasonics and guided wave technologies. The work scope will also cover signal processing, image pattern recognition, software development for simulation and automation in real time condition monitoring.

Applicants should have a good background - preferably first or upper second degree or equivalent - in the field of NDT/ Automation or Manufacturing/Electrical Engineering or a related discipline and be willing to acquire and use new knowledge in this multidisciplinary project.

The scholarship stipend will be at the current rate of £16,000 per annum. The University fees at the EU/UK level will also be paid.

Initial enquires can be addressed to either:

• Professor Tat-Hean Gan, tat-hean.gan@brunel.ac.uk
• Dr Cem Selcuk, cem.selcuk@brunel.ac.uk

To apply please send a covering letter, curriculum vitae, copies of marks transcripts and names of two referees to Dr Cem Selcuk.

The closing date for applications will be Friday 8 June 2012.

Developing effective system identification time series models for an anaerobic membrane bioreactor system treating wastewater for improved process control and optimisation

Civil Engineering, School of Engineering and Design

Applications are invited for a research studentship to be based in the Water Sustainability Research Centre (WSRC) and the Dept. of Civil Engineering at Brunel University, leading to the award of the PhD degree. The research area will be on the development, calibration, validation and testing of novel autoregressive computer models for an anaerobic membrane plant treating synthetic wastewater. This research work will also involve complex biochemical laboratory testing including measurement of protein and polysaccharide concentrations as well as daily wastewater treatment plant operation. This research is linked to The Royal Society’s Equipment Grant Scheme.

Qualification and Experience

Applications are invited from candidates with a 1st or 2:1 class or MSc in Chemical Engineering, Control Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or any other relevant Engineering and Science subject. A background in computer programming especially in C++ and/or Matlab/SIMULINK to a high level would be desirable. The successful candidate should be enthusiastic, self-motivated and able to conduct research to meet demanding deadlines. The candidate will be expected to work with the WSRC, Brunel University and with industrial partner organisations as required.

Funding and Eligibility

The studentship will provide funding for three years plus tuition fees for home and EU students.  The amount paid will be in accordance with current UK Research Council funding levels. It is available only to UK or other EU citizens with at least 3 years UK residence.

How to Apply

For further enquiries please contact Dr Parneet Paul at parneet.paul@brunel.ac.uk

To apply please send a CV, covering letter and details of at least two referees to:

Dr Parneet Paul
Director, Water Sustainability Research Centre
Lecturer in Hydraulics/Environmental Fluid Mechanics
School of Engineering and Design
Brunel University
Uxbridge, Middlesex, UB8 3PH, UK
Tel: +44(0)1895 265435
Fax: +44(0)1895 256392
E-mail: parneet.paul@brunel.ac.uk
Deadline for applications is   25th May 2012

PhD in Physics of Electron Beam Gun Design

PhD Studentship between TWI Ltd and the Centre for Sensors and Instrumentation, School of Engineering and Design at Brunel University

Location: TWI Ltd (Abington, Cambridge) and Brunel University (Uxbridge, West London)
Duration: Three years
Bursary: £16,000 plus fees
Start date: September/October 2012

Project

The Electron Beam (EB) Section at TWI is focused on developing electron beam welding and materials processing for a wide range of applications. The Section is also involved in prototype equipment design and engineering. The Section has established a world lead in the design of high power EB generators and associated electron optics and deflection systems used for materials processing. Design is carried out analytically, and then optimised with 2D and 3D finite element modelling software. Prototypes are built and tested in a dedicated laboratory facility.

TWI owns and licences the use of EB technologies associated with novel RF excited EB guns and their use in a reduced quality vacuum environment.

Key challenges in forthcoming developments include: i) the design of more mobile high power, thick section, welding equipment, ii) high brightness, low power electron guns for micro manufacturing processes and iii) the design of high intensity electron beam for additive manufacturing systems. In the first case the improved mobility, without reduction in performance, of the equipment is of interest. Novel approaches will be required to understand the sources of beam aberration, how to optimise electron optical designs to give the highest intensity beams, the effect of space-charge on the beam intensity and the effects of reduced vacuum on beam quality. Theoretical characteristics and real physical performance of a number of EB gun designs may be considered.

Supervisors

The project will be jointly supervised by Brunel University and TWI Ltd. The university academic supervisors will be Dr David Smith and Prof. Akram Kahn in the Centre for Sensors and Instrumentation, School of Engineering and Design at Brunel University, and the industrial supervisor will be Mr Colin Ribton at TWI Ltd. The Researcher will be based primarily with the sponsor company, TWI Ltd (located in Cambridge), working with state-of-the-art electron beam welding and processing equipment, returning to the University to attend events such as scientific and non-scientific short courses, meetings, and to use characterisation facilities. The costs of travel and accommodation associated with the time spent at Brunel University will be covered by TWI Ltd.

Professional Development

Brunel Graduate School supports all postgraduates and early career researchers with the university through the provision of a comprehensive skills development programme, workshops and networking events, research prizes and 24/7 study and social facilities. In addition, the Researcher will participate in selected courses of TWI Ltd’s graduate development programme. The Researcher will be encouraged to work towards Chartered Engineer status with the relevant Professional Institute (for example, IOP). A suitable mentor will be provided by TWI Ltd.

Eligibility

Applicants should have or expect to obtain the equivalent of a 2.1 or first class undergraduate degree in engineering or physics and should have excelled in previous study of physics, electronics and/or mathematics. A postgraduate degree in these subject areas is also desirable, but not a necessity. Applicants should be UK citizens, or EU citizens who have been resident in the UK for the three years preceding the date of application.   Please email your CV to:  David.Smith@brunel.ac.uk

Closing date: 30th May 2012

Micro structuring of large surfaces, manufacturing and metrology issues

Fully-funded PhD studentship
School of Engineering and Design and NPL

NPL and Brunel University have projects that will facilitate the introduction of micro-structured surfaces in a range of industrial products by enhancing the understanding of the relationships between micro-structures, functional performance and manufacturing processes. The technical work of this PhD will be concerned with the development of novel characterisation techniques to enable the fast, validated and traceable evaluation of the 3D topography of patterned surfaces, the measurement of the functional performance of patterned surfaces, the modelling of the performance of patterned surfaces and the associated parametric effects of manufacturing processes. Candidates should have a good degree in manufacturing/mechanical engineering or physics discipline, and should have a good understanding of relevant mathematics. The student will be based primarily at NPL, but would be expected to spend some time at the Brunel University campus. A full PhD stipend is available plus industrial top up from NPL.

The studentship is subject to the EPSRC rules for eligibility, see here, which state that only UK and EU nationals are eligible for support.

The student will receive a minimum stipend of £13,590 pa (tax-free), be based at NPL and Brunel University, and cooperate substantially with industry and academic partners.  Brunel University and NPL are internationally recognised research intensive institutions, long established in engineering and industry-focused research.

Candidates for this position should apply by sending a CV and cover letter to Atanas.Ivanov@brunel.ac.uk 

Application Deadline Date:   29th June 2012