PhD (EPSRC DLA) Studentship - Shaping and Enhancing Magnetic Fields with Bulk Superconductors

Superconducting solenoids are vital to key applications in science, technology and medicine. They are currently used in NMR and MRI as well as for scientific research. There is considerable interest in future applications such as fusion reactors and superconducting motors. In many applications we need to take the field produced by a solenoid and optimise it for a particular application. This is currently done using techniques such as shim coils and permanent magnets.

Bulk superconductors can act as high-performance permanent magnets, trapping and focusing magnetic fields. To date they have been shown to be able to produce magnetic fields an order of magnitude larger than conventional permanent magnets.

The aim of the project is to demonstrate that Bulk Superconductors can be used to shape and enhance the magnetic field generated by superconducting solenoidal magnets.

This project will involve the growth and characterisation of the superconducting properties of bulk superconductors using seeded melt growth. The project will involve developing suitable methods for the shaping of bulk superconductors and mapping the resultant magnetic field profile in the bore of a superconducting magnet. While primarily experimental some numerical modelling may be required.

The project aims to demonstrate that combining the two distinct technologies of wound superconducting solenoids and superconducting bulks can be used to provide enhanced and shaped magnetic fields suitable for a range of scientific and industrial applications such as NMR.

This project will be supervised by Prof. Durrell with co-supervision by Prof. David Cardwell. The industrial partner will provide a named industrial supervisor, support to the project and will offer an expenses paid internship during the period of the PhD at their premises in Oxfordshire.

Funding for this project is a CASE conversion Doctoral Landscape Award from EPSRC in partnership with Oxford Instruments. EPSRC DLA studentships are fully-funded (fees and maintenance) for students eligible for Home fees. EU and international students may be considered for a small number of awards at the Home fees rate. Full eligibility criteria can be found via the following link; What is my fee status? | Postgraduate Study.

Applicants should have (or expect to obtain by the start date) at least a good 2.1 degree in Engineering, Physics, Materials Science or a related subject.

Applications should be submitted through the University of Cambridge Applicant Portal (via the ‘Apply’ button above), with Prof. John Durrell  identified as the potential supervisor and this project referenced.

In order to be considered for this funding applications should be submitted before the 15th March 2024.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

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