Project Description

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

Applicants are invited to undertake a 3 year PhD program 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 in Manufacturing and On-Wing Technology, Department of Mechanical, Material and Manufacturing Engineering, Faculty of Engineering. The department has an excellent international reputation for high quality theoretical and experimental research funded by EPSRC, DTI, EU and manufacturing industry.

The main research area is Mechatronic systems design for intelligent manufacturing in the aerospace industry. In this role, you will be at the forefront of research that offers significant technological challenges and innovations, with an aim to improve the quality in Mechatronics applications within aerospace industry. As a result, this position offers the opportunity for close collaboration with industrial partners in particular Rolls-Royce.

This project is related to the development of wireless smart sensors embedded in end-effectors to support the aforementioned tasks with the following actions:

• Developing the principles and theories for designing smart sensing for end-effectors to support the improvement of process quality. We refer here not only to conventional sensing, e.g. IMUs, that are commonly integrated on the end-effectors, but on advanced (e.g. tactile, sound-based, shape) solutions that enhance the ability of the end-effectors so that versatile tasks can be performed/evaluated.
• Developing novel theoretically-inspired methodologies targeting sensor signal processing to eliminate undesired noises presence in the signals as well as making the signal strong through a preamplifier stage.
• Developing advanced control algorithms (e.g. artificial intelligence) that will allow the tracing end-effectors to communicate with the central control system efficiently.

Funding Information

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

Eligibility Requirements

We are seeking talented candidates with:

• First or upper second class degree in Mechatronics/Robotics/Mechanical/Computer Science or related scientific discipline.
• First rate analytical and numerical skills, with a well-rounded academic background.
• Demonstrated ability to develop precision Mechatronics system and algorithms.
• Ability to develop kinematic and/or dynamic analysis of Mechanical/Robotic systems.
• Ability to implement control and kinematics with hardware-in-the–loop.
• Background with relevant packages, (MATLAB, SolidWorks/Creo, ROS/ OpenCV/ python, LabVIEW/C languages).
• A driven, professional and self-dependent work attitude is essential.
• Experience of working within industry will be an advantage.
• The ability to produce high quality presentations and written reports.

This is an excellent opportunity to work on a novel Mechatronics system with strong links to industrial applications and key skills and knowledge in preparation for a high-impact, high-technology research or industrial career.

Application Process

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.

Please contact the UTC director, Prof Dragos Axinte, for further information.

Email: [email protected] Tel: 011595 14117