Project description
Increasing international trade is leading to an explosion in the amount of shipping worldwide, which in turn is increasing the levels of noise pollution in our oceans. The elevated noise and its detrimental impact on sea-life is a significant environmental concern and solutions to reduce the levels of noise generated by large maritime vessels is of key importance. To help develop these noise control solutions, this research project will develop methods of accurately measuring and mapping underwater noise using an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV). This is a challenging and multidisciplinary project covering aspects of acoustics, robotics, sensing, signal processing and control. The successful applicant will thus have the ability to tailor the project with the supervisory team and will develop a range of skills maximising their future employability potential.
This project is part of a recently awarded EPSRC Prosperity Partnership with multiple industrial and academic partners. This broad, collaborative research environment will provide the successful applicant with a wide range of potential opportunities. In particular, the strong industrial connections will help to ensure that the research will have a direct impact on real-world engineering. The research will be carried out jointly between the Signal Processing and Control Group of the Institute of Sound and Vibration Research and the Fluid Structure Interaction Group. The successful applicant will join a strong group of PhD researchers working across the maritime, acoustics and robotics disciplines.
The successful candidate will be likely to have a background in mechanical, acoustical or electrical engineering, with specific knowledge in dynamics, control and signal processing. Experience with Matlab or other similar programming languages, ANSYS/COMSOL or other Finite Element modelling packages, and in carrying out experimental testing would all be beneficial.
If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Dr Jordan Cheer, SPCG Research Group, Email: j.cheer@soton.ac.uk, Tel: +44 (0) 2380 593 082
Entry Requirements
A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent).
Closing date: applications should be received no later than 06 June 2020 for standard admissions, but later applications may be considered depending on the funds remaining in place.
Funding: full tuition plus, for UK students, an enhanced stipend of £15,009 tax-free per annum for up to 3 years.
How To Apply
Applications should be made online here selecting “PhD Engineering and Environment (Full time)” as the programme. Please enter Jordan Cheer under the proposed supervisor.
Applications should include:
Curriculum Vitae
Two reference letters
Degree Transcripts to date
Apply online: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/how-to-apply/postgraduate-applications.page
For further information please contact: feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk