Nonlinear structural dynamics, numerical: Fully Funded EPSRC PhD Scholarship: Design and Fabric[...]

Organisation/Company Swansea University Department Central Research Field Engineering » Mechanical engineering Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Country United Kingdom Application Deadline 13 Jan 2025 - 23:59 (Europe/London) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 1 Oct 2025 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Funding provider: EPSRC

Subject areas: Nonlinear structural dynamics, numerical analysis, optimisation

1 October 2025 (Enrolment open from mid-September)

Supervisors: Dr Saber Azizi, Professoer Hamed Haddad Khodaparast and Dr Hadi Madinei

Aligned programme of study: PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Mode of study: Full-time

This project will be conducted at Swansea University, utilising the world-class facilities of the MEMS Excellence Centre, which is renowned for its cutting-edge research in microelectromechanical systems. The study focuses on the fundamental design, analysis, optimisation, and investigation of nonlinear dynamics in MEMS sensors, with a particular emphasis on enhancing sensitivity through nonlinearity.

The objective of the project is to thoroughly examine the influence of factors such as geometry, noise sources, and nonlinearities on critical performance parameters, including bandwidth, resolution, sensitivity, and operational range.

The primary application of the research is in biomedical engineering, specifically in the development of MEMS-based sensors for robotic surgery. Robotic surgery imposes stringent requirements on sensor design, demanding high precision, robustness, and resilience to challenging conditions, such as mechanical vibrations and dynamic forces. The project aims to design, simulate, and fabricate MEMS sensors that meet these exacting standards, advancing the capabilities of existing sensor technologies.

The final phase involves comprehensive testing of the fabricated MEMS sensors to ensure compliance with performance, reliability, and durability standards for use in surgical robotics. These tests will confirm the sensors’ ability to operate accurately and consistently under demanding conditions.

By enhancing the understanding of nonlinear dynamics and applying it to practical sensor design, the project is expected to deliver significant contributions to the field of biomedical engineering, improving the reliability and precision of robotic surgery systems.

Candidates must hold a UK Bachelor degree with a minimum of Upper Second Class honours in Engineering or similar relevant science discipline or overseas Bachelor degree deemed equivalent to a UK Bachelor (by UK ECCTIS) and achieved a grade equivalent to UK Upper Second Class honours in Engineering or similar relevant science discipline.

IELTS 6.5 Overall (5.5+ each comp.) or Swansea University recognised equivalent.

EPSRC DTP studentships are available to home and international students. Up to 30% of our cohort can comprise international students, once the limit has been reached, we are unable to make offers to international students.

We are still accepting applications from international applicants.
International students will not be charged the fee difference between the UK and international rate. Applicants should satisfy the UKRI eligibility requirements.

ATAS clearance IS NOT required to be held as part of the scholarship application process. Successful award winners (as appropriate) are provided with details as to how to apply for ATAS clearance in tandem with a scholarship course offer.

Additional Information

This scholarship covers the full cost of UK tuition fees for UK and International students and an annual tax-free living stipend in line with UKRI minimum rates (currently £19,237 for 2024/25).

Additional research expenses of up to £1,000 per year will also be available.

Eligibility criteria

Candidates must hold a UK Bachelor degree with a minimum of Upper Second Class honours in Engineering or similar relevant science discipline or overseas Bachelor degree deemed equivalent to UK Bachelor (by UK ECCTIS) and achieved a grade equivalent to UK Upper Second Class honours in Engineering or similar relevant science discipline.

IELTS 6.5 Overall (5.5+ each comp.) or Swansea University recognised equivalent.

EPSRC DTP studentships are available to home and international students. Up to 30% of our cohort can comprise international students, once the limit has been reached, we are unable to make offers to international students.

We are still accepting applications from international applicants.
International students will not be charged the fee difference between the UK and international rate. Applicants should satisfy the UKRI eligibility requirements.

ATAS clearance IS NOT required to be held as part of the scholarship application process. Successful award winners (as appropriate) are provided with details as to how to apply for ATAS clearance in tandem with a scholarship course offer.