PhD Studentship: A novel camera-based approach to measure daylight exposure for conservation/ma[...]

Energy Models; Loughborough; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000

Job description

PhD Studentship: A novel camera-based approach to measure daylight exposure for conservation/management of light-sensitive objects

The School of Civil and Building Engineering at Loughborough University invites applications for a PhD studentship from individuals interested in fusing light modelling with modern spatial measurement techniques. A background in physics, engineering, mathematics, or related disciplines is required, combined with some expertise in software development using Matlab/IDL.

Background to the research

Many heritage buildings contain light-sensitive objects, e.g., paintings, fabrics, wallpapers, furnishings, etc. Management of the long-term exposure of these objects to daylight is a key issue for the bodies responsible for managing the buildings and preserving their contents, e.g., The National Trust. Systematic monitoring of light exposure is very sparse, and many valuable objects are at risk. Monitoring is usually conducted at one or two points in a space, but the spatial variation in long-term exposure is believed to be significant, typically several orders of magnitude depending on the geometry and reflective properties of the space.

Aim

This project will employ a novel combination of measurement, GPS, photogrammetry, and modeling to quantify the spatial distribution of cumulative daylight exposure in spaces, with a focus on the management and conservation of light-sensitive objects in heritage buildings. The research will include the following tasks:

1. Demonstrate and validate in the laboratory that long-term cumulative light exposure can be determined by proxy means using automated high dynamic range (HDR) image capture.
2. Combine HDR and photogrammetry to recreate the full 3D illumination field from the 2D images.
3. Replicate and validate the approach in the field, i.e., in a suitable heritage space.
4. Develop visualisation tools to analyse, reduce, and present cumulative illuminance data for conservators and building managers.

Funding and eligibility

The studentship is open to mathematically literate graduates with experience in numerate subjects such as mathematical modelling, statistics, or those with a strong engineering background, provided they are good communicators, well qualified, and highly motivated. The minimum entry qualification is a 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent. A lower qualification is acceptable if supplemented with an appropriate postgraduate (MSc) qualification and relevant experience. The studentship is for 3 years and covers fees and a tax-exempt stipend of £13,726 for the 2013/2014 academic year with cost of living adjustments in years 2 and 3. Tuition fees will be paid at the UK/EU rate. Studentships must start on the 1st October 2013.

How to Apply

Applications can be made online: Apply Here

For an informal discussion on the broad topic area, please contact Prof John Mardaljevic (School of Civil and Building Engineering), on [phone] or [e-mail]. For enquiries about the application process, please contact Ms Helen Newbold at [e-mail].

Closing date for applications: Applications will be accepted until 20th August 2013, or until the post is filled.