This PhD project will focus on developing, evaluating, and demonstrating an intelligent solution of diagnosis and prognosis for rotating machinery to enhance safety, reliability, maintainability and readiness. A comprehensive test-bed for in-depth studies will be used for experiments for demonstration and evaluation.

Rotating machinery has a fundamental role in many industries. Therefore, there is a need for a Condition-based maintenance (CBM) which holds the promise of predicting machinery maintenance requirements based on process performance measurements. Diagnostics and Prognostics are essential parts of CBM. Therefore, diagnostics and prognostics of rotating machinery can help to reduce machine downtime and cost. Many techniques such as vibration analysis, current signature analysis, acoustic emission analysis, wear and oil analysis,…,etc. have been used, through condition monitoring of the rotating machinery, to diagnose and prognosis  different faults such as, bearing, crack shaft, gearbox, belt drive, reciprocating mechanism, mechanical rub, induction motor, pump, compressor, and fan.

The student will have the opportunity to work with experts in the prognostics and condition monitoring field, as well as being part of our strong and dynamic research centre at Cranfield University.

About the host University/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 Integrated Vehicle Health Management (IVHM) Centre is a major collaborative venture at Cranfield, started in 2008, with funding from the East of England Development Agency (EEDA); a consortium of core industrial partners, (Boeing, BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, Meggitt, Thales, MOD and Alstom); and from EPSRC. The investment, over the first 5 years of operation, was approaching £10M. We are now in our eighth year of operation and the Centre has grown into other sectors (rail, energy, health and agriculture), and is financially self-sustaining; many of the partners (and others) are funding Applied Research projects and there is a growing revenue from EPSRC, TSB and EU funded work.

At a glance

  • Application deadlineOngoing
  • Award type(s)PhD
  • Duration of award3 years
  • EligibilityEU, Rest of world
  • Reference numberCRAN1142

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Supervisor

Prof Ian Jennions

Entry requirements

  • A minimum of a 2:1 first degree in a relevant discipline/subject area (e.g. aerospace, automotive, mechanical, electrical, chemical, computing, and manufacturing) with a minimum 60% mark in the Project element or equivalent with a minimum 60% overall module average.
  • the potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within a three-year period of study.
  • 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

Funding

Self-funded

Cranfield Doctoral Network

Research students at Cranfield benefit from being part of a dynamic, focused and professional study environment and all become valued members of the Cranfield Doctoral Network. This network brings together both research students and staff, providing a platform for our researchers to share ideas and collaborate in a multi-disciplinary environment. It aims to encourage an effective and vibrant research culture, founded upon the diversity of activities and knowledge. A tailored programme of seminars and events, alongside our Doctoral Researchers Core Development programme (transferable skills training), provide those studying a research degree with a wealth of social and networking opportunities.

How to apply

Before completing the application documentation please contact Prof Ian Jennions i.jennions@cranfield.ac.uk 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.