PhD Study : Development of an autonomous tufting machine for carbon laminate reinforcement

Summary

Carbon fibre composites typically consist of thin carbon fibres layered to give desired thickness and mechanical properties. When subjected to interlaminar stress these multi-layered, or laminate, composites are highly susceptible to delamination. Through-thickness reinforcement is a method of reducing delamination in a laminate composite by increasing its interlaminar properties. This is performed by means of a third directional reinforcement of through-thickness fibres in the z-direction. However, the equipment used to stitch these fibres can often be economically non-viable and currently requires a pre-existing robotic arm, restricting the geometry, complexity and overall size of the part.

This project aims to design a portable tufting rig which could be used for parts of non-conventional geometries. As tufting reinforcement is predominantly required around the holes within the composite the long term aim is to create a tufting machine that will intelligently identify holes within the part and tuft the area around them accordingly to required specification without a user input. The Airbus A380 uses 19,000 bolts within the fuselage to attach the main components of the aircraft, with a further 4,000 to attach both wings. KSL tufting heads in conjunction with robotic arms, normally 6 axis, are the current method of tufting composites.

Some short studies have examined the issues and challenges of using the robotic arm with tufting head set up. The work here will develop a novel design to overcome the shortcoming of the traditional method, being more compact and manoeuvrable over a larger parts. The use of intelligence drive automated mobile tufting machine in aerospace is not recorded anywhere. This project would utilise vision systems to automate the placement of reinforcing tufting where required on a composite panel without user input.

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.

• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Masters at 65%
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications - peer-reviewed

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 £19,000 (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