Mechatronics, Signal Processing and Control, Acoustics

A fully funded industrial CASE studentship is available for a high quality student to work in the area of active control of sound power radiation from vibrating structures. Sound radiation due to structural vibration is a major source of unwanted noise in a variety of industrial sectors including the marine, aerospace, automotive and building industries. Traditionally, this noise control problem has been tackled using passive-damping treatments; however, the performance of these treatments can be limited in many practical applications by the need for lightweight and compact solutions. To overcome this problem significant research has been conducted on the development of active structural acoustic control systems, which can offer a high performance, adaptive solution.

This project will develop new methods of active structural acoustic control that are applicable to realistic, complex structures. The programme will firstly investigatenew efficient distributed sensor arrays that can provide direct information relating to the radiated sound power from structures, whilst also minimizing the cost, power and weight of implementation. This technology will then be combined with active, semi-active and passive control strategies within a multifunctional smart structure, which is able to intelligently control the radiated sound power.

This project is supported by a large industrial collaborator, which provides a wide range of potential opportunities for the successful candidate. In particular, the strong industrial connection helps to ensure that the research will have a direct impact on real-world engineering. The successful candidate will also benefit from an enhanced bursary provided by the industrial collaborator.

The successful candidate will be based in the Signal Processing and Control 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.

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Prof. Steve Daley, ISVR SPCG, Email: s.daley<στο>soton.ac.uk, Tel: +44 (0) 2380 59 3043.