Start date: 31^st August 2015. 

Duration: 4 years.
Supervisors: Professor Neil Sims (Mechanical Engineering) and Dr Erdem Ozturk (AMRC).

Project Summary

Robotic machining is an area of research that has become increasingly relevant, due to the need for flexible and reconfigurable manufacturing systems. The key challenges with robotic machining are the static and dynamic deflection of the robot arm, which leads to form errors, poor surface finish and low productivity.

There has been a great deal of research focussing on the understanding of machining dynamics. The technique of simultaneous machining, which employs multiple spindles, has the potential to balance the static and dynamic loading of the system. Variable spindle speed, variable helix, and variable tool paths, could also provide enhanced stability of machining systems that suffer from dynamic flexibility. Consequently, the research project will develop and assess these techniques, to try to overcome the challenges associated with robotic machining.

This is a 4 year PhD studentship funded by the Department of Mechanical Engineering and EPSRC. The successful candidate will join a cohort of PhD and EngD students in the IDC in Machining Science following a semi-structured programme combining technical and professional training with research. Approximately 75% of the time will be spent on the main University of Sheffield campus, the rest at the AMRC and/or other collaborators.

Entry requirements

Applicants must have, or expect to get, a good 2.1 or 1st class degree in a relevant engineering discipline. Degrees in applied mathematics or physics could also be considered. You should be enthusiastic about research with an interest in technology development and innovation in manufacturing.

Due to EPSRC residency requirements, this project is open only to UK/EU applicants resident in the UK for at least 3 years immediately preceding the start of the course.

Enquiries and applications

See the IDC website www.sheffield.ac.uk/machining-science-idc for full details about applying for this studentship.

About the IDC in Machining Science

The IDC in Machining Science is a unique collaboration between industry, the University of Sheffield's award winning Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre www.amrc.co.uk and the Faculty of Engineering.

We are an EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) offering 10 fully funded four-year PhD and EngD studentships per year.