Apply for these research projects at our university partners to secure funded studentships
We have now allocated all our EPSRC grant-funded studentships so we will use this page to promote other funding opportunities at universities within the FIND partnership.
Early-stage detection and characterisation of hydrogen-induced defects using ultrasonic arrays for enhanced structural integrity assessment
University of Bristol
Supervisor: Dr Jie Zhang
Industrial partner: MTC (Manufacturing Technology Centre)
Please visit this project at FindaPhD for further details and how to apply.
NSIRC PhD Studentship – Advancement and Application of Microwave Techniques for Non-Destructive Testing
University of Manchester
Supervisor: Professor Anthony Peyton
Industrial partner: TWI
Background
There is growing use of non-metallic structural materials, such as glass fibre reinforced plastic in the marine and renewable energy sectors and polymers for instance, high-density polyethylene in pipelines. Consequently, non-destructive evaluation (NDE) of these materials is becoming a growing and pressing challenge, which requires new solutions compared to traditional modalities. Microwaves can penetrate many centimetres into these materials and potentially reveal defects at sub-millimetre resolutions, with the potential for non-contact scanning over large components.
Project Outline
The general aim of this doctoral study is to increase the technology readiness level of microwave NDE addressing both fundamental laboratory challenges to transferring the techniques to practical use. This will involve the investigation and realisation of improved microwave probe design, data processing and visualization techniques to provide a robust method of data analysis, flaw characterization and sizing, which is essential for a reliable NDE process. This may be facilitated with the use of AI / machine learning algorithms for data processing and assisted or automated flaw detection, 3D EM solvers and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) focusing to refine spatial resolution.
Please visit the TWI careers webpage for further details and information on how to apply.