PhD Positions In Engineering At University of Nottingham With Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre 

1. Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre (UTC) in manufacturing and On-Wing Technology, The University of Nottingham. 

PhD In Microstructural and surface integrity in machining of specialist composite materials for next generation aero-engine applications

Reference: ENG1317X1

Closing Date: Saturday, 20th August 2022

Department : Engineering

Applicants are invited to undertake a 3-year PhD programme in partnership with industry to address key challenges in manufacturing engineering. The successful candidate will be based at the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre (UTC) in Manufacturing and On-Wing Technology at The University of Nottingham. Having state-of-the-art, purpose-built facilities, the UTC offers a world-class environment for the realisation of high-impact research projects.

The Rolls-Royce funded Studentship is the result of the expanding machining activities sponsored at the Rolls-Royce UTC dealing with in-depth investigations of the response of difficult-to-cut materials to various machining operations in the scope of robust manufacture of safety critical aero-engine components.

The project will seek an understanding of the microstructural changes during machining of anisotropic, heterogeneous and semi-brittle composite materials for high temperature applications used in the latest generations of civil and military aeroengines. This will involve using performance monitoring techniques during the machining such as dynamometers, high-speed imaging systems, accelerometers and acoustic emissions sensors that are complemented by advanced material characterisation techniques such as Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), 3D optical profilometry and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD).

This project will also involve an analytical/numerical modelling of the material micro-mechanical behaviour during the machining process with the aim of understanding and predicting the surface integrity and mechanisms of material damage (i.e., fibre pull out, delamination, crack formation or local deformations). Internationally recognised Rolls-Royce specialists in the field will be available throughout the project to provide the PhD student with support and guidance if required.

For mutual interest the project can be offered as a "package" - this will include:

•Appropriate training within Rolls-Royce for a period to be agreed. The training will enable the understanding of the technical issues related to the project, as well as developing a good partnership with the appropriate technical teams.

•Joint academic and industrial supervision. In this way, the student will develop both academic and industrial skills with multiple career opportunities at the end of the PhD study.

This is an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic first or upper second-class graduate in mechanical/manufacturing/materials science/physics to develop strong knowledge in both manufacturing and material science while building strong relationships with both academic and industrial areas at an international level.

 

Funding Notes

For PhD students wishing to pursue an academic career, the opportunity to participate in teaching activities will be sought.

The scholarship on offer comprises a tax-free stipend of over £15,000 a year; tuition fees paid and a generous study package.

Interested in this studentship? To find if you are a suitable and eligible candidate contact Prof Dragos Axinte. Do not submit your application via the My Nottingham platform without having contacted our team first.

Informal enquiries may be also addressed to Prof. D. Axinte, Director of Rolls-Royce UTC, tel: 0115 951 4117 or Email: Dragos.Axinte@Nottingham.ac.uk.

Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and notified.

View Details And Apply Directly

2. Rolls Royce sponsored PhD scholarship – 

Micromechanics and in-depth materials analysis of advanced aerospace materials upon the manufacturing process

Reference: ENG1494

Closing Date: Saturday, 20th August 2022

Department : Engineering

 

Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre (UTC) in Manufacturing and On-Wing Technology, University of Nottingham 

Applications are invited to undertake a 3-year PhD programme in partnership with industry to address key challenges in on-platform manufacturing engineering. The successful candidate will be based at the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre (UTC) in Manufacturing Technology and On-Wing Technology (https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/utc/index.aspx ) at the University of Nottingham. Having state-of-the-art purpose-built facilities, the UTC offers a world-class environment for the realisation of high impact research projects. 

We are seeking applicants for an anticipated September 2020 start on a project with Rolls-Royce plc. 

The Rolls-Royce funded Studentship is the result of the expanding manufacturing activities sponsored at the Rolls-Royce UTC dealing with in-depth investigations of the response of advanced aerospace materials to various manufacturing operations in the scope of robust manufacture of safety critical aero-engine components.

The project will deal with the micromechanics and in-depth materials analysis of advanced aerospace materials upon manufacturing operations to understand the materials response to manufacturing process to efficiently support the manufacture of aerospace components. This will involve using a wide range of sophisticated testing and analysis techniques including not only the study of conventional manufacturing process of advanced aerospace materials but also the state-of-the-art materials investigation such as Scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), Transmission electron microscope (TEM) and in-situ micromechanics. 

This project will involve manufacturing trials, workpiece surface quality analysis (e.g., metallurgy, integrity, residual stresses), followed by in-depth investigation from micromechanics to micromechanics, thus, to evaluate the materials response upon manufacturing process. Internationally recognised Rolls-Royce specialists in the field will be available throughout the project to provide the PhD student with support and guidance if required.

For mutual interest the project can be offered as a "package" - this will include:

•    Appropriate training within Rolls-Royce for a period to be agreed.  The training will enable the understanding of the technical issues related to the project, as well as developing a good partnership with the appropriate technical teams.

•    Joint academic and industrial supervision.  In this way, the student will develop both academic and industrial skills with multiple career opportunities at the end of the PhD study.

•    For PhD students wishing to pursue an academic career, the opportunity to participate in teaching activities will be sought.

The bursary covers the tuition fees and provides a tax-free stipend of approximately £15,609 per year for the duration of the project (three years) – starting from October 2021.  

This is an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic first or upper second-class graduate in mechanical/manufacturing/materials science/physics to build strong knowledge in both manufacturing and material science while building strong relationships with both academic and industrial areas at international level. Graduates finishing their degrees in July 2021 are also encouraged to apply. Due to the nature of funding only UK applicants can be considered for this position.

Please contact the Rolls-Royce UTC director for further information.

UTC Director: Prof. Dragos Axinte

Email: dragos.axinte@nottingham.ac.uk 

Tel: 011595 14117

Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and notified.

View Details And Apply Directly

3. Rolls-Royce sponsored PhD scholarship – 

Laser Beam Processing of Aerospace Materials

Reference: ENG1408

Closing Date: Saturday, 20th August 2022

Department: Engineering

 

Applications are invited to undertake a 3-year PhD programme in partnership with industry to address key challenges in manufacturing engineering. The successful candidate will be based at the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre (UTC) in Manufacturing and On-Wing Technology at The University of Nottingham. 

We are seeking applicants for an anticipated October 2021 start, or earlier (depending on the candidate availability, on a project with Rolls-Royce plc. The Rolls-Royce funded Studentship is the result of the expanding its on-platform repair activities sponsored at the Rolls-Royce UTC dealing with investigations on development of the bespoke high-tech laser beam processing methods for surface treatment and repair of aeroengine components.

The project will deal with study of a new laser processing method to enable in-situ surface treatment and repair of safety critical rotating parts and further understand the correlation between surface quality, metallurgical characteristics and functional performance of the components and the key process parameters. The project will deal with design of special process setups, testing its working principles and performances followed by assessment of the part quality; this will involve development of laser beam processing on specific aerospace materials, and model to understand the fundamental  mechanisms of the process to identify optimal operating conditions and followed by surface analysis techniques (e.g. Scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction for residual stress measurements, Electron Back-Scattered Diffraction and Transmission Electron Microscopy).

To support this, the Rolls-Royce UTC has excellent facilities in laser beam processing, process monitoring, metrology/materials inspection to support this research project.  Students will benefit from the strategic partnerships with industry and collaborations with world-class specialists in manufacturing technologies.

For mutual interest the project can be offered as a "package" - this will include:

 

•    Appropriate training within Rolls-Royce for a period to be agreed.  The training will enable the understanding of the technical issues related to the project, as well as developing a good partnership with the appropriate technical teams.

•    Joint academic and industrial supervision.  In this way, the student will develop both academic and industrial skills with multiple career opportunities at the end of the PhD study.

•    For PhD students wishing to pursue an academic career, the opportunity to participate in teaching activities will be sought.

•    Internationally recognised Rolls-Royce specialists in the field will be available throughout the project to provide the PhD student with support and guidance if required.

 

The bursary covers the tuition fees and provides a tax-free stipend of over £15,000 per annum for the duration of the project (three years). The position is available immediately.

This is an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic first or upper second-class graduate in mechanical/manufacturing/materials science/physics to build strong knowledge in both manufacturing and material science while establishing relationships with both academic and industrial areas at international level. Previous experience in modelling/experimental methods of laser beam processes will be considered an advantage. 

Interested in this studentship? To find if you are a suitable and eligible candidate contact Prof Dragos Axinte. Do not submit your application via the My Nottingham platform without having contacted our team first.

Informal enquiries may be also addressed to Prof. D. Axinte, Director of Rolls-Royce UTC, tel: 0115 951 4117 or Email: Dragos.Axinte@Nottingham.ac.uk.

Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and notified.

View Details And Apply Directly

4. PhD studentship: Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT): Geoscience and its Role in the Low Carbon Energy Transition

Closing Date: Friday, 30th September 2022

Department : Engineering

Project Title:  Predicting CO₂ permeation through shale rocks

Host institution: University of Nottingham

Supervisor 1: Sean Rigby

Supervisor 2: Joseph Wood (University of Birmingham)

Project description: The use of CO₂ to displace methane from unconventional reservoirs, like gas shales, offers the potential for simultaneous improved methane recovery and CO₂ storage. A clear understanding of the mass transport mechanisms is essential for predicting the gas recovery efficiency due to its impact on how far the CO₂ will permeate throughout the reservoir. Unconventional reservoir rocks like shales have complex void spaces, with various surface chemistries and pore types, corresponding to various phases such as organic carbon and inorganic minerals. Due to the high prevalence of microporosity and surface adsorption in shales, the surface diffusion flux constitutes the largest component of the mass transport. This work will aim at predicting the surface diffusion rates, and thence mass transport fluxes, from the surface properties of typical reservoir rocks. These can then be used to predict large-scale gas recovery and storage.

This work will develop a model for surface diffusion on heterogeneous surfaces using fractal-based models. Many previous studies have shown that the internal surface of shales is fractally rough. The model will use fractal physics to predict the Arrhenius parameters for surface hopping motion using transition state theory. These parameters will then be incorporated into a model for larger length-scale transport, using percolation theory and critical path analysis to determine the particular rock surface and pore types that control the overall surface diffusion flux within a heterogeneous system. The model will be tested against experimental gas mass transport data for rock core samples.

The impact of the predicted differences in surface diffusion rates in different rock types will be assessed by up-scaling to field scale simulations of the displacement of methane by CO₂ in typical reservoirs.

The student will develop expertise in rock core characterisation and permeation/uptake measurements, and reservoir simulation using commercial software.

The PhD position is available from 1st October 2022. This project will include the payment of tuition fees for Home Students, as well as a stipend equivalent to RCUK rates (currently at £16,062 p.a. tax free for 2022/23) awarded to the suitable candidate.

Please apply here https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/pgstudy/how-to-apply/apply-online.aspx

When applying for this studentship, please include the reference number (beginning ENG and supervisors name) within the personal statement section of the application. This will help in ensuring your application is sent directly to the academic advertising the studentship. 

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

Contact details for further information

Dr Sean Rigby sean.rigby@nottingham.ac.uk

 View Details And Apply Directly

5. EPSRC Supported EngD: ZERO CARBON – Solar forecasting and future sustainable power systems (5 fully-funded PhD studentships)

Reference : ENG1577

Closing Date :Tuesday, 11th October 2022

Department: Engineering

 

Funding For: UK Students, EU Students, International Students

 

Funding amount: The studentship covers tuition fees and provides a tax-free stipend of £16,062 pa for home students and £12,276 for international students

 

The contribution of PV energy to the electricity generation mix continues to grow. Installed capacity in the UK in 2020 was 13.4 GW and is expected to increase to 40 GW by 2030. Accelerating the adoption of solar energy will present significant challenges to the electricity transmission and distribution system, as solar power is not dispatchable and therefore its incorporation as a major element of the generation mix requires the accurate prediction of solar energy production.

To tackle this issue, the newly established Prediction and Optimisation of Solar Energy Systems Lab (POSES lab) at the University of Nottingham (supported by the University of Nottingham, EPSRC and industry) will provide a multi-disciplinary approach to training researchers in new technologies that can significantly improve the incorporation of solar farms into future sustainable power systems. You will join a large group of postgraduate students in the Faculty of Engineering, working on many aspects of solar energy and zero carbon technologies. The team of potential PhD supervisors spans five departments at University of Nottingham including Architecture and Built Environment, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mathematics, Physics and Social Sciences. 

The PhD programme offers five fully funded, four-year PhD studentships which will start in either the 2022 or 2023 academic year on one of the following themes:

Theme 1: To significantly improve the prediction accuracy for intra-hour solar forecasting. 

Theme 2: To significantly improve the modelling of PV systems. 

Theme 3: To improve the coordinated use of different energy sources to enhance electricity system management, using enhanced PV energy prediction. 

Theme 4: To understand what shapes community acceptance of large-scale solar farms.

The PhD programme offers:

§  Training in the theory for solar energy technologies, experimental measurement and evaluation techniques, tools for modelling and predicting PV generation.

§  Opportunities for industrial secondments to gain an insight into industrial challenges in this area and develop industry related skills 

§  Opportunities for secondments with overseas research laboratories. For example, you may participate in the Joint Nottingham and Adelaide PhD Programme. 

§  Cutting-edge research where you will develop interdisciplinary skills

We are looking for:

Graduates with a strong degree (first or high upper second) in maths, physics, computer science, electrical and electronic engineering, mechanical engineering or social science disciplines looking for a challenging research project in an interdisciplinary environment.

How to apply:

Applicants are welcome to contact Professor Yupeng (Jack) Wu Yupeng.Wu@nottingham.ac.uk or Professor Mark Sumner mark.sumner@nottingham.ac.uk directly for more information about the projects.

Application will need to email your CV, personal statement, and one page research proposal (which outlines the background, research aim and method) to Professor Yupeng (Jack) Wu. Please ensure you state in your email that you are applying for a ZERO CARBON PhD.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

 View Details And Apply Directly