PhD Studentship - Intelligent Structures for Low Noise Environments

Supervisory Team: Dr Jordan Cheer and Prof Steve Daley

Project description

A fully funded industrial studentship is available for a student with high potential to conduct their PhD as part of the Intelligent Structures for Low Noise Environments research partnership. You will work as a part of a team on the development of intelligent systems for low noise environments, which is supported by the multi-million pound EPSRC Prosperity Partnership with BAE Systems, Lloyds Register and the University of Nottingham's Centre for Additive Manufacturing.

The particular application focus for this research position is in maritime systems, where the main and auxiliary machinery can cause problems associated with crew and passenger comfort, structural integrity and where increasingly radiated noise is seen as a hazard for marine life. Although a range of passive vibration and noise control measures are used in practice, they do not provide effective control at low frequencies. This programme will, therefore, focus on the development of innovative and effective solutions for a range of noise and vibration control problems. This includes active noise and vibration control solutions, advanced passive noise control technologies, such as Metamaterials and Acoustic Black Holes, and the use of design and topology optimisation methods for the design of low noise structures. The programme will investigate how noise and vibration control systems can be optimised for subjective performance and consider how control and harvesting of vibration can be integrated into a unified design approach. Although the overall research programme is broad, the specific focus of the PhD project within the larger programme will depend on your previous experience, interests and future potentials - we are seeking the most promising researchers that will be able to contribute to the objective of developing novel and intelligent structures and systems for low noise environments.

This project is supported by a large industrial collaborator, which will provide you with a wide range of potential opportunities. In particular, the strong industrial connection will help to ensure that the research will have a direct impact on real-world engineering. The position also benefits from a tax-free stipend, which may be enhanced from the standard studentship depending on your previous experience. This includes the standard EPSRC studentship of £16,062 and a top-up from the industrial partner.

The successful candidate will be based in the Signal Processing, Audio and Hearing Research Group of the Institute of Sound and Vibration Research. This is home to an internationally renowned research group working in diverse areas of signal processing and control

Entry Requirements

A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent).

Closing date: 17 July 2022 for standard admissions, but later applications may be considered depending on the funds remaining in place.

Funding: For UK students, Tuition Fees and a stipend of £16,062 p.a. plus a top-up of up to £4k for up to 3.5 years.

How To Apply

Applications should be made online https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/how-to-apply/postgraduate-applications.page

Select programme type (Research), 2021/22, Faculty of Physical Sciences and Engineering, next page select PhD Engineering & Environment (Full time). In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor Dr Jordan Cheer

Applications should include:

Curriculum Vitae

Two reference letters

Degree Transcripts to date

For further information please contact: feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk

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