A Dorothy Hodgkin Postgraduate Award (DHPA) is available at the Applied Optics Group of the Electrical Systems and Optics Division of the Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham.

Reference

ENG523

Closing Date

Thursday, 14th July 2011

Job Type

Research & Teaching

Department

Faculty of Engineering - Division of Electrical Systems & Optics

Applied Optics Group/Rolls-Royce plc

Endoscopic CHOTs for on-wing NDE of aerospace components

A Dorothy Hodgkin Postgraduate Award (DHPA) is available at the Applied Optics Group of the Electrical Systems and Optics Division of the Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham. The award is targeted towards outstanding students from India, China, Hong Kong, Brazil, South Africa, Russia and the developing world .

The Applied Optics Group is a world leader in the application of optical, ultrasonic and instrumentation engineering conducting multidisciplinary research spanning physical scales from the sub-molecular to the largest structures in the solar system. The facilities include three state-of-the-art optics laboratories, a wide range of electronic and VLSI design facilities, the SIOS laboratory – provide an exceptional environment for developing innovative technologies.

Applications are invited from suitably qualified graduates or final year students for a fully sponsored PhD studentship within the Applied Optics Group  at University of Nottingham, United Kingdom , in conjunction with Rolls-Royce PLC. This studentship is available from 1 October 2011 to qualifying students for a period of three years PhD programme and will cover full university fees and a tax-free stipend (circa £1100/month).

The studentship is available in the following research area:

Endoscopic CHOTs for on-wing NDE aerospace components.
This project aims to develop an endoscopic CHOTs system for on wing inspection of aero-engine components, notably turbine blades. CHOTs are small ultrasonic transducers which may be placed permanently on the component for through life interrogation of components for cracks and defects that may arise in service.  CHOTs are activated and read optically using laser beams and usually require line of sight in order to be read. This is an exciting PhD project that has a unique combination of academic and industrial challenges which will enhance the student’s ability to tackle complex intellectual and practical aspects of NDE and real life applications.

Students must at least the equivalent of a UK first class honours degree, in science, engineering or related discipline. Undergraduate students completing their studies in June/July 2011 with appropriate predictions of the academics results are eligible to apply. They should have or be willing to rapidly develop in-depth knowledge in laser ultrasonics and non destructive testing and evaluation. The candidate has to be proficient in both written and spoken English, possess excellent presentation and communication skills and be capable to write reports (to sponsors) and academic papers.

Applications, with a detailed CV and names and addresses of two referees should be sent to Professor Matt Clark, Applied Optics Group, The University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD. Email: matt.clark@nottingham.ac.uk.

Read more about Dorothy Hodgkin International Engineering PhD Scholarship, UK 2011