PhD in Engineering Photogrammetry and Computer Vision for Aerospace Manufacture and Test

Funding – EPSRC iCASE

Funding Body -  Airbus / EPSRC

Studentship Description –

Large volume metrology is used to achieve accurate, precise and reliable dimensional measurements across large spaces using portable tools. The technique is particularly challenging in aerospace where aircraft wings, comprising many components, need to be rapidly manufactured to exacting sub-millimetre tolerances while incorporating lighter, stronger materials that must be rigorously assessed in both digital and physical environments.

This PhD project is part of an initiative under the Royal Academy of Engineering / Airbus Chair in Large Volume Metrology. Themes: Development of highly accurate automated 3D image feature recognition necessary for the metrology of manufactured aircraft components and test specimens; Capture and processing of photogrammetric grade images using networks of low-cost cameras combined into manufacturing infrastructure, industrial robots and drone technologies.

The successful applicant will be part of the 3D Impact Group, based at UCL’s interdisciplinary HereEast facility on London’s Olympic Park. Working under joint supervision with Airbus R&T at Broughton, PhD outcomes will provide the successful candidate with highly valuable industry research focused transferable skills and provide Airbus with the opportunity to move validated industrial-scale demonstrators into production systems.

Person Specification –

Applicants (UK/EU only) should be outstanding academically, ideally have 1st class (or a very good 2’1) undergraduate degree or equivalent in computing, robotics, physics, geomatics with an enthusiasm for experimental research. The research will comprise experimental work on demonstrator and full-scale aircraft structures deploying state of the art imaging systems together with theoretical modelling and algorithm development. The ideal candidate would have the following skills and knowledge.

Experience of hands-on experimental work in a research environment is a significant advantage, with a preference for (but not limited to digital imaging; computer vision; photogrammetry; metrology; aerospace engineering and robotics. Computer programming (e.g.,C, C++, MATLAB, Python, OpenSource APIs). Curiosity and excitement for interdisciplinary research

Eligibility -  

The studentship covers Home/EU tuition fees and an annual stipend of £17,285 (2020-2021), increasing annually with inflation for Home students. Additional support will cover consumables, books, professional memberships and travel to workshops and conferences.

International candidates who have secured their own funding either through personal funds or international scholarship are encouraged to contact us as soon as possible. Please note there is no direct funding available for international students.

Start Date -September 2021

Application Procedure -

Applicants should send a covering letter and CV to [[email protected]]. The successful applicant will then have to apply online to UCL by submitting the PhD application form which they can do by clicking on the Apply now button at the bottom of this page: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/research-degrees/civil-environmental-geomatic-engineering-mphil-phd . Please name [Prof Stuart Robson] as the proposed supervisor.

Eligibility for UK and EU rates

To be eligible to pay fees at the UK/EU rate, you must normally be a national of an EU country, or the relevant family member of an EU national, and have been ordinarily resident within the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland or EU Overseas Territories for the 3 year period before the first day of the first academic year of your programme. Please see the UCL Student fee status page to determine your appropriate tuition fee.

Closing Date –  (15th of July 2021 (or until filled)