Mechanical & Control Engineering Research

We are looking for an enthusiastic, hard-working, Mechatronics, instrumentation and control or mechanical engineering graduate to join our team of engineers and scientists in the Design Simulation Research Centre at  BU. This is a fully funded PhD studentship position.

Hydreco Hydraulics (www.hydreco.com) and Bournemouth University's Design Simulation Research Centre have joined forces to collectively research and develop the next generation of the hydraulic valve systems. The outcome of this research promises to be a major technological leap in control valve technology.

Hydreco Hydraulics, based in Poole, is a leading UK hydraulic pump, motor, control valve, and control systems manufacturer. Hydreco’s products contribute to the hydraulic circuitry of a whole range of on and off road vehicles around the world. They have companies in 6 continents and trade globally

The aim of the research is to reduce the complexity of the current commercially available hydraulic valve systems in order to decrease maintenance cost and time while increasing the efficiency.  

An initial review of the current state of the art in hydraulic valve design has revealed that it has become increasingly important to develop energy saving hydraulic circuits, without compromising their functionality and performance, to limit pollutant emissions to meet target guidelines and fuel consumption to reduce cost.

What does the funded studentship include? Funded candidates will receive a maintenance grant of £14,000 (unless otherwise specified) per annum, to cover their living expenses and have their fees waived for 36 months. In addition, research costs, including field work and conference attendance, will be met.

Funded Studentships are open to both UK/EU and International students unless otherwise specified.

Candidates for funded PhD studentship must demonstrate outstanding qualities and be motivated to complete a PhD in 3 years.

All candidates must satisfy the University’s minimum doctoral entry criteria for studentships of an honours degree at Upper Second Class (2.1) and/or an appropriate Master’s degree. An IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 minimum (or equivalent) is essential for candidates for whom English is not their first language.

In addition to satisfying basic entry criteria, BU will look closely at the qualities, skills and background of each candidate and what they can bring to their chosen research project in order to ensure successful and timely completion.