Engineering of surfaces has opened avenues for the development of multiple-property materials that show different surface and core behavior and in doing so increase the usefulness of any material.
A growing area of importance in surface engineering relates to the development of Omni phobic surfaces that repel a multitude of adhesive substances from the surface including water, dust, grime and grease etc. giving a rise to useful applications in Maintenance of Solar Panels, Decreasing Water Usage in Sanitation, Oxidation Protection, Anti-Icing in High Altitude Aerial Vehicles, High Temperature Applications and many more.
Successful PhD candidates will work on the development and wear testing of such surfaces via experimental and analytical analysis to predict their failure characteristics in real-life applications. Another segment of this work might include the inclusion of self-repairing behavior in such surfaces to make them more robust and effective for use. This will involve a thorough understanding of surface topography, surface roughness and physical and chemical characteristics exhibited by surfaces at atomic levels that actually effect this interaction at macro level.
At a glance
- Application deadlineOngoing
- Award type(s)PhD
- Duration of award3 years
- EligibilityUK, EU, Rest of world
- Reference numberSATM0036
Supervisor
About the host University and Through-life Engineering Services (TES) Centre
Cranfield is an exclusively postgraduate university that is a global leader for transformational research and education in technology and management. Research Excellence Framework 2014 (REF) has recognised 81% of Cranfield’s research as world leading or internationally excellent in its quality. Every year Cranfield graduates the highest number of postgraduates in engineering and technology in the UK (Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency Ltd). Cranfield Manufacturing is one of eight major themes at Cranfield University. The manufacturing capability is world leading and combines a multi-disciplinary approach that integrates design, technology and management expertise.
We link fundamental materials research with manufacturing to develop novel technologies and improve the science base of manufacturing research.
The Through-life Engineering Services (TES) Centre are among the world leaders in through-life approaches for high value systems, Condition monitoring, Damage tolerance, Asset management. TES was developed with the support of EPSRC grant of £ 11 million with the aim to develop research excellence and address the research problems in the sector of Through-life Engineering services. TES Centre is providing its state of the art academic and research services to industrial clients such as Boeing, BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, Meggitt, Thales, MOD, Bombardier, QinetiQ, Thales, Network Rail, Schlumberger and Alstom.
Entry requirements
- A minimum of a 2:1 first degree in a relevant discipline/subject area.
- A minimum of English language proficiency (IELTS overall minimum score of 6.5).
Also, the candidate is expected to:
- Have excellent analytical, reporting and communication skills
- Be self-motivated, independent and team player
- Be genuine enthusiasm for the subject and technology
- Have the willing to publish research findings in international journals
Cranfield Doctoral Network
Cranfield University is located at the very heart of the UK – within the innovation triangle between London and the cities of Oxford and Cambridge.
Our central location provides easy access from the M1, excellent main line rail service as well as proximity to key international airports. Set in rolling countryside, Cranfield offers a rich, rural landscape complemented by thriving towns and picturesque villages.
- Road: We are just 10 minutes from Junctions 13 and 14 of the M1 motorway. There is free parking on campus.
- Rail: Milton Keynes or Bedford
- Air: London Luton (22 miles), Heathrow (50 miles) or Birmingham (70 miles).
How to apply
Before completing the application documentation please contact Dr Muhammad Khan for an initial informal discussion about this opportunity. Please include the keyword PhD Studentship-Self Funding in the subject field.
If you are eligible to apply for this research studentship, please complete the online application form.
For further information contact us today:
T: 44 (0)1234 758540
E: studymanufacturing@cranfield.ac.uk
