Active control technology is applied to many industrial applications to control large amplitudes of vibrations to achieve improved performance, reduced maintenance and costs. Active control is already applied to complex systems such as helicopters and cars. However, combining the active control technique with energy harvesting is a novel area of research and needs to be investigated.

An active control method is based on the measured data and implemented on systems such as helicopters in ground vibration tests. However, the dependency of active control on external energy supply can limit its practical applications, particularly in hostile environments, where energy is scarce or unreliable, or where it is impractical to route a power supply.

This limitation also impedes the progression of the technology in applications where efficiency is important for environmental or economic reasons. The use of energy harvesters to harvest energy from sources such as thermal, vibrations and solar energy can provide a solution to produce an energy-efficient active control system.

This project aims to develop a sound methodology for the application of active control in order to reduce the vibration levels and improve environmental effects. To validate the potential of the technique, tests will be carried out under laboratory conditions as well as conditions in the field. Further tests, simulating the strategy will be carried out using computer based modelling packages.

This project will be carried out as part of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Embedded Intelligence and is co-sponsored by National Structural Integrity Research Centre (NSIRC).

This Centre, in collaboration with NSIRC, offers an attractive package, including a tax free stipend of up to £17k pa (equivalent £24k tax free), in addition to full University PhD registration fees for British and EU candidates. Due to UKBA Visa regulations applications from overseas students cannot be accepted for this position. Additionally, there is a generous personal development budget of £10,000for the specific training needs of the successful candidate.

The Centre offers a unique 4-year Ph.D. programme, drawing on expertise in postgraduate teaching and research supervision in the fields of sensors, system design, embedded software and systems, manufacturing systems, novel manufacturing processing, applications engineering and systems services. The PhD candidate will be supported by the state-of-the-art facilities at NSIRC andLoughborough University.

A high calibre candidate with first or upper second class (2:1) degree in mechanical, Electrical/Electronics or Civil/Structural Engineering, Material Science, Metallurgy or Physics. Candidates with suitable work experience and strong capacity in numerical modelling and experimental skills are particularly welcome to apply.

Further information can be obtained from Dr Donna Palmer, e-mail: cdt-ei<στο>lboro.ac.uk

For more information about The National Structural Integrity Research Centre, visit www.nsirc.co.uk

Please direct general enquiries to: enquiries<στο>nsirc.co.uk

The deadline for applications is 30^th April 2015.

Please quote Ref No.: 2015CDTEI_NSIRC10 on your application. Apply here