PhD Position in Mechanical Engineering

Polytechnicpositions; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000

Job description

PhD Studentship: Rolls-Royce sponsored PhD scholarship – Design and simulation of stiffness-adjustable robotic systems for performing on-wing repair of aero-engines

Location: UK Other

Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre (UTC) in Manufacturing and On-Wing Technology

Applicants are invited to undertake a 3 year PhD programme in partnership with industry to address key challenges in on-platform manufacturing engineering. The successful candidate will be based at The Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre (UTC) in Manufacturing and On-Wing Technology at University of Nottingham.

This project is in relation to the technical needs of Rolls-Royce to develop automatic and hybrid tooling solutions to enable in-situ/on-wing repair and maintenance of gas turbine engines.

At the Rolls-Royce UTC at University of Nottingham, we have developed robotic systems capable of navigating into crammed/hazardous environments and performing inspection and active operations such as machining. This is driven by the need to complete repair tasks without disassembly of industrial installations.

Both systems can be coupled to result in hybrid robots having the ability to walk/navigate and then perform tasks with end-effectors attached to both hexapod and continuum arm sub-systems.

This project builds on these research/industrial successes and proposes control solutions for automated robotic systems capable of being teleoperated using smart human-machine interfaces.

This is an exciting PhD project that combines academic and industrial challenges, enhancing the student’s ability to tackle complex intellectual and practical aspects of mechatronics/control and manufacturing.

We are seeking talented candidates with:

1. First or upper second class degree in mechanical/mechatronics/robotics/cybernetics or related scientific discipline.
2. First-rate analytical and numerical skills, with a well-rounded academic background.
3. Demonstrated ability to develop precision mechanical devices/mechatronics.
4. Ability to develop kinematic and/or dynamic analysis of mechanical/robotic systems.
5. Ability to use finite element modelling and to simulate complex mechatronics.
6. Ability to implement control and kinematics with hardware-in-the-loop.
7. Background with relevant packages (CREO/SOLIDWORKS, ANSYS/ABAQUS, MATLAB).
8. A driven, professional, and self-dependent work attitude is essential.
9. Experience of working within industry will be an advantage.
10. The ability to produce high-quality presentations and written reports.

This is an excellent opportunity to work on a novel robotic system with strong links to industrial applications and key skills and knowledge in preparation for a high-impact, high-technology research or industrial career.

Funding Notes:

The scholarship on offer comprises a tax-free stipend of approximately £19,237 a year; tuition fees paid and a generous study package.

Interested in this studentship? Applications with a CV, cover letter, and academic transcripts should be sent to Prof Dragos Axinte. Suitable applicants will be interviewed, and if successful, invited to make a formal application. Do not submit your application via the My Nottingham platform without having contacted our team first. Please contact the UTC director, Prof Dragos Axinte, for further information.

Email: [e-mail]

Due to the high volume of applications, we will only be contacting shortlisted candidates. Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis until a suitable candidate is appointed.