PhD Studentship: Optimising the Frequency of NDE for Integrity Assessment

The project:

This industrially funded PhD project (with Rolls-Royce) will examine the effect of intervals of inspection when estimating the life of a safety critical component. Non-destructive evaluation (NDE) is currently used at intervals throughout the life of a component to detect if any cracks over a specified length have been formed. If a crack is found and its length measured, then the remaining useful life of the component can be estimated. The inspection frequency and remaining useful life (RUL) are based on a suitable crack growth model and operational loading. All aspects of the process (residual stress levels at manufacture, crack length measurement, material properties used in the crack growth model, the crack growth model itself, operational loading etc.) involve assumptions and uncertainty. 

The purpose of this PhD is to investigate:

1. how uncertainties propagate through the process,
2. how information obtained from NDE can be used to update crack growth model parameters to reduce uncertainty,
3. the optimal inspection interval (which may not be constant) to achieve the most accurate outcome, involving a cost-benefit argument and considering whether the added cost of permanent monitoring is worthwhile.

How to apply:

Prior to submitting an online application, you will need to contact the project supervisor to discuss. 

Online applications are made at http://www.bris.ac.uk/pg-howtoapply. Please select Mechanical Engineering on the Programme Choice page. You will be prompted to enter details of the studentship in the Funding and Research Details sections of the form. 

Candidate requirements: 

Applicants must hold/achieve a minimum of a merit at master’s degree level (or international equivalent) in a science, mathematics or engineering discipline. Applicants without a master's qualification may be considered on an exceptional basis, provided they hold a first-class undergraduate degree. Please note, acceptance will also depend on evidence of readiness to pursue a research degree. 

If English is not your first language, you need to meet this profile level: Profile E

Further information about English language requirements and profile levels. 

Funding:

Minimum tax-free stipend at the current UKRI rate is £19,237 plus £5,000 per annum top up and consumable budget from Rolls Royce. Please note the UKRI funding has not yet been confirmed and applicants will need to be nominated for this funding by their supervisor once shortlisted. 

Contacts:

For questions about the research topic, please contact sergio.canterochinchilla@bristol.ac.uk .

For questions about eligibility and the application process please contact Engineering Postgraduate Research Admissions admissions-engpgr@bristol.ac.uk

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