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PhD Studentship - Hydrant Dynamics for Acoustic Leak Detection

Employer
Global Academy Jobs
Location
United Kingdom
Closing date
Mar 11, 2021

Job Details

Supervisory Team: Dr Jen Muggleton

Project description

Acoustic methods predominate in the armoury of available leak detection methods. However, the effectiveness of conventional leak-noise correlators is very poor on trunk mains for a number of reasons, especially the lack of sufficiently closely spaced access points at which conventional sensors can be placed.

Acoustic methods predominate in the armoury of available leak detection methods. However, their effectiveness is restricted for plastic pipes due to the high attenuation of the acoustic signals. One of the reasons for this is that much of the acoustic signal can be lost when travelling from the pipe to the detection sensor located (usually) on a hydrant. Recent measurements suggest that a resonance of the pipe system at the points where the sensors are attached (usually a hydrant), can have a profound effect on the bandwidth of the measured leak noise.

The aim of this project is to investigate hydrant dynamics, so that new guidelines can be given for sensor numbers, type and positioning and hydrant design. In particular the following will be addressed

Theoretical modelling of vibrational wave propagation in hydrants (analytical and numerical)
  • Laboratory measurements on simplified hydrants
  • Laboratory and field measurements on real hydrants

Laboratory measurements on simplified hydrants

Laboratory and field measurements on real hydrants

The project, undertaken with the support of UK Water Industry Research (UKWIR) and the UK water companies, will be a balance of theoretical and experimental work. The theoretical work will comprise analytical and numerical modelling of elastic waves in the pipe and hydrant. The experimental work will be undertaken on campus in the ISVR laboratories, at the University's Future Towns Innovation Hub at Chilworth Science Park and at live test sites provided by UKWIR members.

The successful candidate will be part of a wider group within the Institute of Sound and Vibration Research seeking to meet the challenges of the UKWIR industry initiative 'Zero Leakage 2050'

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Dr Jen Muggleton, Institute of Sound and Vibration Research, Email: jmm@isvr.soton.ac.uk

We aim to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

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Global Academy Jobs works with over 250 universities worldwide to promote academic mobility and international research collaboration. Global problems need international solutions. Our jobs board and emails reach the academics and researchers who can help.

"The globalisation of higher education continues apace, driving in turn the ongoing development of the global knowledge economy, striving for solutions to the world’s problems and educating a next generation of leaders and contributors."

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