The studentship is with the University of Salford and Spadeadam Research & Testing
Academic Supervisor: Professor David Waddington
Academic Co-Supervisors: Dr Olga Umnova and Dr Andy Elliott
Industrial Supervisor: Daniel Allason
The studentship is fully-funded and includes:
- Full fee waiver
- Enhanced stipend of £16444 p.a. for 3½ years, plus paid accommodation at Spadeadam for years 2 and 3
- Bench fees and consumable costs
- Funds specifically allocated for conference travel
Final date for applications: 19/09/2022
Interviews will be held on: 23/09/2022
The candidate must register by 01/10/2022
Description
We are looking for a PhD candidate to work on developing methods for the control of noise from explosions used in industrial processes. The successful candidate will be expected to develop analytical theory and numerical simulations of the suppression of blast noise, and perform laboratory and field experimental trials to develop and validate the solutions. The candidate will spend a short time at the University of Salford for research skills development and laboratory pilot studies, and will then will be located at the Spadeadam Research & Testing site.
Background
Part of the DNV Group, the Spadeadam Research and Testing conducts a wide variety of fire, explosion and blast testing for the maritime, energy and renewables industries, the results of which are used to develop products, protect people and infrastructure. Their strategic aim is to make Spadeadam Research & Testing a world-leading test facility, and to achieve this it is necessary to ensure that the business is not put at risk by adverse impacts of noise to personnel or the environment. This research follows on from a PhD funded by DNV on managing environmental impacts of noise from on-site testing.
Better control of on-site testing noise should provide:
- Reduced risk to hearing from short duration, high-level explosive noise to best protect employees, visitors and clients
- Improved scheduling of trials, reducing costs from potential delays.
- Extension of the testing day and season, potentially increasing the number of trial slots to be conducted without generating adverse noise impacts.
Existing models for the control of noise from these types of operations are few and far between. This means that the systems developed to control explosive noise may be the first of their kind in the world.
Candidates
We are looking for high quality candidates with an expertise in the following areas;
- Cognate acoustics, mathematical, physics, or engineering background
- Good computer programming skills (e.g. MATLAB/PYTHON)
- Experience of experimental design and measurement, preferable noise
- Multi-Channel data acquisition systems and transducers (desirable)
- Highly numerate with experience of data analysis
- Ability to work independently and within teams
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
For full details of student requirements and specification.
Funding Eligibility
To be eligible for the full maintenance grant, students must be a UK/EU National or be able to demonstrate a relevant connection with the UK, usually through being ordinarily resident for a period of 3 years immediately prior to the date of application for an award. Member states of NATO will also be considered.
Note to applicants
In addition to applying for this role all shortlisted applicants will also be required to complete the University application process which applies to all students wishing to study at The University of Salford. How to apply for research studies can be found here: https://www.salford.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/applying/applying-for-research
Enquiries
Informal enquiries to Professor David Waddington: d.c.waddington@salford.ac.uk
CV and supporting statement to j.j.sanders1@salford.ac.uk