PhD Study : Self-diagnostic microwave sensors for non-destructive testing and evaluation

Summary

Main goal and summary of the project Non-destructive testing and evaluation is an important scientific and engineering method to assess the properties of materials and structures without compromising their integrity. Microwave sensing is a novel direction in non-destructive testing relying on the ability of microwaves to interact strongly with various materials, including man-made composite and polymer materials and natural materials like human tissues. The main goal of this project is to develop a completely novel class of self-diagnostic microwave sensors that can be used for highly accurate, real-time non-destructive testing in aerospace, automotive and construction engineering and industrial applications and could potentially be applied for high-resolution biomedical imaging. This goal will be achieved through theoretical and experimental work involving state-of-the-art electronics and microwave technology to create advanced sensing solutions.

Project background and scientific basis Microwave sensing is based on sending interrogating electromagnetic signal towards the material or structure under test and collecting the scattered response signal. This signal contains information on the physical, mechanical, chemical or geometrical properties of the material or structure under test which can be analysed using mathematical data processing.

In this project, several technological challenges will be solved: development of electronic sensing platform supporting sensors auto-calibration, auto-diagnostic operation and seamless wireless connectivity to data processing unit; development of advanced imaging and non-destructive testing algorithms and software. Solution of these challenges should pave the way for this sensing technology into the industrial applications in aerospace and automotive industry including monitoring of the composite materials, early defect finding in aircraft structures and engines and biomedical imaging.

Project organisation and cooperation

The project supervision team is formed by academics with interdisciplinary backgrounds in electronics and composite materials engineering.  The supervision team has a very successful track record of academic and industrially-led R&D and research grant portfolio reflected in more than 100 research publications in major international journals.

The PhD researcher will be developing sensor technology  solutions and test this technology using materials provided by the NIACE Centre in Belfast and external partners: the Welding Institute and Haydale specialising in composite materials engineering.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,237 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living