A fully-funded PhD studentship is available in the Centre for Ultrasonic Engineering (CUE) (http://www.cue.ac.uk/), Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering (EEE), at the University of Strathclyde, to work in the area of ultrasonic transducer array systems.
The project aims to develop novel ultrasound phased array systems and advanced inspection techniques, to perform reliable imaging in industrial non-destructive evaluation (NDE) applications. The work will combine array transducer design with innovative signal processing techniques to improve NDE of "difficult" materials, e.g. concrete, welds and a variety of composites, where their heterogeneous nature limits the applicability of traditional methods of ultrasound imaging. A range of approaches will be investigated involving a combination of modelling, transducer array design, beamforming and signal processing. The project will be jointly supervised by Dr David Li and Prof Gordon Hayward.
Key Research Areas
• Signal processing is a major component of this project, which concerns adaptive signal processing, beam forming, noise suppression, target detection, imaging processing, etc.
• Modeling with finite element methods and software packages such as PZFlex and MATLAB to establish a virtual prototyping environment.
• Optimal transducer array system design that best supports the signal processing algorithms.
Application Areas
The set of techniques investigated in this project will be applied to an interesting but challenging application – defect detection in difficult materials. This application will be supported by some top UK companies, such as Rolls Royce, Shell, Airbus, Sellafield, and National Nuclear Laboratory, which will provide the student links with these companies. In addition, the techniques could be easily extended to other relevant areas including biomedical imaging (such as ultrasonography of fetus, heart, blood flow, etc), mobile communications, radar, sonar, and many others. All these will help to maximize the student‘s future career opportunities.
Centre for Ultrasonic Engineering (CUE)
As part of the UK Research Centre for Non Destructive Evaluation (RCNDE) (https://www.rcnde.ac.uk/index.aspx), CUE is an interdisciplinary research centre with international reputation on the modelling and design of transducer and array systems for sonar, non-destructive evaluation (NDE), biomedical and industrial processing applications, which was recently awarded two large strategic grants from EPSRC both of which will support this research programme. A wide range of modeling facilities, equipments, and expertise are available in CUE to support this project, which represents a globally unique position. The University of Strathclyde is one of the leading internationally renowned research universities in the UK and the EEE Department was awarded a 5-Star in the last RAE.
Requirements
This studentship will suit a dynamic researcher capable of working on a challenging multi-disciplinary project. All applicants must meet the eligibility criteria (http://www.strath.ac.uk/dta/furtherinformation/eligibility/#d.en.83393), possess or expect to obtain a First Class or Upper Second Class Honours degree in a relevant discipline, or have an appropriate MSc qualification. The award covers University fees plus a tax-free stipend for 3.5 years (stipend level of c. £13,569 in 2010/11), and additional funds for fieldwork and travel. Deadline will be 30th September 2010. It is advisable to apply as early as possible, and early application will be considered immediately.
Further Information
For informal enquiries or to apply for the studentship please contact Dr. David Li (david.li@eee.strath.ac.uk). To apply, please send your full CV and a covering letter highlighting your interests and suitability for the project, and including the contact details of at least two academic referees.
Study information
Qualification:
PhD
Study duration:
3.5 years
Study mode:
Full time
Start month:
1st October 2010
Entry requirements:
First Class or Upper Second Class Honours degree in a relevant discipline, or have an appropriate MSc qualification.
Fees:
Fully funded
Funding information
Funder:
EPSRC
Title:
Doctoral Training Accounts (DTA)
Value:
£13,569 + per year
Funding applies to:
EU applicants (including UK)
Funding duration:
3.5 years
Contacts and how to apply
Academic contact:
Dr. David Li (david.li@eee.strath.ac.uk)
