PhD in Engineering - James Watt School of Engineering, Data-Driven Digital Twins for Smart Manufacturing

Supervisor(s)

Shanmugam Kumar

[email protected]

Project Description

Increasing demand for the development of high-performance tyres with complex designs has spurred a revolution in their manufacture and design. However, challenges still exist in the processing of these tyres concerning quality management, process optimization, energy consumption, asset maintenance, product design, rework reduction, cured tyre scrap reduction and supply chain management. These challenges can be overcome by focusing on digitization while making use of the availability of new data streams, both experimental and model-based, as well as their processing via digital twins. Specifically, in this project, with an objective of enhancing productivity, digital twins will be developed to optimize processes, design high performance products, and enable production of quality products, while monitoring the individual components of the production line. The integration of digital twins in tyre manufacturing will improve productivity and reduce costs. Our primary focus will be on the extruder. The project aims to develop digital twin initially for an extruder and then extent it to multiple extruders, exploring process optimization, predictive maintenance and quality attributes.

The successful candidate will have particular interest in engineering applications of artificial intelligence in the field of polymer engineering & composites, applications of machine learning, usage of big data, the IoT, and the implementation of an Industry 4.0 approach in manufacturing industries. Candidates must possess an MS/MEng degree in materials science or engineering, mechanical engineering, polymer science and engineering, chemical engineering or a closely related discipline, and demonstrate documented potential for outstanding research in digital driven manufacturing processes and digitalization in product development.  To effectively engage with the advanced materials and 3D printing lab at Glasgow, experience and/or background in manufacturing (including 3D printing), characterization, modelling, design and testing of composite materials is desired.

Apollo Tyres Ltd is an international tyre manufacturer and the leading tyre brand in India. The company has a total of 7 manufacturing units in India, Hungary and The Netherlands. The company markets its products under its two global brands – Apollo and Vredestein, and its products are available in over 100 countries through a vast network of branded, exclusive and multi-product outlets.

This is a great opportunity to partner with one of the most exciting companies in the tyre manufacturing industry and work with leading professionals and world-class manufacturing facilities, production lines, research & development centres and supply chain centres. The students will have access to Apollo Tyres global manufacturing infrastructure, data and Apollo employees. Student, in addition to working under the supervision of academic supervisor at the University of Glasgow, will collaborate with a company supervisor, who will mentor and support data gathering and research hypothesis. All business-related expenses and required equipment will be supported by the company.

Please note that this application is to gain admission to our PGR programme, and an offer of admission may be issued before a decision on this Scholarship is made. Candidates applying for this Scholarship will most likely have an interview/discussion with the supervisor before any decision is made.

How to Apply: Please refer to the following website for details on how to apply:

http://www.gla.ac.uk/research/opportunities/howtoapplyforaresearchdegree/ .

Funding Notes

The studentship is supported by the Apollo Tyres Ltd, and it will cover overseas tuition fees and provide a stipend at the UKRI rate for 3.5 years (est. £16,062 for session 2022/23).