Department of Engineering and Innovation - Acoustics Research Group

Full time – 3 years from 1 April 2015

Approximate annual stipend of £13,863

This research project is part-funded by Komcept Solutions Ltd (KSL) who specialise in the manufacture of perimeter security systems and communication links for such systems. Among their current products are a seismic sensor and a directional microphone. KSL would like to extend their useful range and are interested in the development of physics-based methods for enhancing acoustic and seismic sensor performance.

The potential research directions include the use of acoustic-to-seismic coupling to distinguish between seismic signals generated by airborne sources and by sources located on the ground surface and the use of local configurations and topography to create surface waves and thereby cause passive amplification and filtering of acoustic and seismic signals arriving at sensors.

You will be registered for a full-time PhD degree at the Open University in Milton Keynes (UK). This work will involve visits to KSL headquarters in Ashton, Northants to conduct field trials at their site.  You will be supervised by Dr Shahram Taherzadeh, Prof. Keith Attenborough and Dr David Sharp.

You will have a first class or upper second-class Honours or an MSc degree (or equivalent) in mathematics, physics, engineering or a related subject. You will need to demonstrate a strong background in numerical and experimental methods and an ability to communicate clearly both orally and through the written word. Previous experience and knowledge of acoustics is desirable but not essential.

General information about studying for a research degree with the Open University and how to apply is available from the Research Degrees Prospectus at: http://www3.open.ac.uk/study/research-degrees/index.htm

More information about the Acoustics Research Group can be found at: http://acoustics.open.ac.uk. Interested applicants should contact Dr Shahram Taherzadeh (shahram.taherzadeh@open.ac.uk) or Prof. Keith Attenborough (keith.attenborough@open.ac.uk).

Equal Opportunity is University Policy.