About the Project
A fully funded PhD opportunity to participate in the world-leading research undertaken by the EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award at the University of Sheffield.
This project aims to develop and demonstrate novel bio-inspired micro-electromechanical (MEMS) sensors for condition assessment from within buried, operational water supply pipes. The PhD will support and be supported by a multi-partner interdisciplinary project based on the development of arrays of microscale neuromasts to sense acoustic velocity and higher order pressure derivatives. The idea is that if we can detect pipe failures and early signs of wall damage at the millimetre scale, in any pipe material and down to the smallest network diameters, we will enable the UK water sector to meet its commitment to halve leakage by 2050 from the currently lost trillion litres/year and ensure our taps do not run dry!
In this project, you will design and fabricate 4-beam cantilever structures with piezoresistive sensors, explore manufacturable processes for bionic hair/neuromast manufacture and attachment, and look to improve sensitivity through various modifications to the initial silicon structure including exploitation of the piezoresistive properties of III-V semiconductor resonant tunnelling diodes (RTDs) in both monolithic and heterogeneously integrated devices, as well as packaging and electronics. Extensive facilities for fabrication of such structures are available at Sheffield and you will work with these, develop new processes, and collaborate strongly within the wider project.
The University of Sheffield is one of the leading Russell Group universities in the UK. We carry out cutting-edge research with strong links to industry. When you enrol to do a PhD with us, you will be working with world-leading academics and have access to top of the range facilities. As a PhD student you will have the opportunity to gain skills not only to conduct research, but also to take your career to the next level, whether you want to stay in academia, go into industry or the public sector, or set up your own company. You will have access to a range of training and support services to help you excel in your studies and beyond.
Supervisors
How to apply
Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to contact the project supervisors to discuss your interest in and suitability for the project prior to submitting your application.
Please refer to the EPSRC DLA webpage for detailed information about the EPSRC DLA and how to apply.
Funding Notes
The award will fund the full (UK or Overseas) tuition fee and a maintenance stipend at the UKRI rate (currently £20,780 per annum) for 3.5 years, as well as a research grant to support costs associated with the project.
