PhD Studentship: EPSRC iCASE studentship with Airbus: Sensor-driven process control for Resin Transfer Moulding of large aerostructures

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Engineering
Location:  UK Other
Closing Date:  Tuesday 30 April 2024
Reference:  ENG1745

EPSRC iCASE studentship with Airbus: Sensor-driven process control for Resin Transfer Moulding of large aerostructures

Applications are invited to undertake a PhD programme, in partnership with Airbus, to address the key challenge in meeting zero waste in the manufacture of fibre-reinforced polymer composites. A PhD student working on this project will conduct research in manufacturing, specifically Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM), of large primary aerostructures. The work will focus on the design and implementation of a process monitoring and control system, aiming at optimisation of the product quality and elimination of scrap. A demonstrator system of industrial relevance will be developed in close cooperation with Airbus and will be implemented during a 3-months placement.

The successful candidate will be based in the Composites Research Group in the Faculty of Engineering, home to the EPSRC Future Composites Manufacturing Research Hub. The candidate will engage with the Airbus team on a regular basis and will spend 3 months on an industrial placement with Airbus in Bristol.

Candidate profile:

A successful candidate will hold a 1st or 2.1 BEng or MEng Honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant engineering discipline (e.g. aerospace, mechanical, materials) or physics. The candidate will be expected to work independently in the laboratory and use a common programming language (Matlab, Python, LabView) for implementing a monitoring and control system. Ability to communicate with external stakeholders is essential. Previous knowledge of composites and composites manufacturing will be an advantage. Experience in finite element analysis or CFD will be an advantage.

Funding:

The successful applicant will receive a tax-free scholarship (UKRI stipend £18,622 + £4,000 Airbus top-up per annum) and tuition fees for four years, subject to satisfactory research progress. Funding is available for applicants who meet eligibility criteria (https://www.ukri.org/what-we-do/developing-people-and-skills/epsrc/studentships/industrial-case/eligibility/ ). Candidates should be available to start before 1St October.

The successful candidate will join the University of Nottingham’s Composites Research Group and will:

• Work with leading academics and industrial partners, offering excellent career opportunities following graduation.
• Have 3 months placement with the industrial partner (Airbus).
• Receive a travel and consumable allowance to support the research project.
• Have access to world-leading facilities including a composites laboratory. 

The industrial partner, Airbus, has an established track record in industrial research and technology development in the aerospace sector. Through research and innovation, the company works towards reducing design cycle times and manufacturing costs, while contributing to improving the sustainability of air travel.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The Faculty of Engineering provides a thriving working environment for all PGRs creating a strong sense of community across research disciplines. Community and research culture is important to our PGRs and the FoE support this by working closely with our Postgraduate Research Society (PGES) and our PGR Research Group Reps to enhance the research environment for PGRs. PGRs benefit from training through the Researcher Academy’s Training Programme, those based within the Faculty of Engineering have access to bespoke courses developed for Engineering PGRs. including sessions on paper writing, networking and career development after the PhD. The Faculty has outstanding facilities and works in partnership with leading industrial partners.

Before submitting an application, candidates are encouraged to send their CV and a personal statement on motivation and relevant experience to Dr Andreas Endruweit ([email protected]) or 

Dr Mikhail Matveev ([email protected]).