Fully Funded EPSRC iCASE and Airbus Operations Ltd PhD Scholarship: Digital Image Correlation for Mechanical Testing at Cryogenic Temperature

Funding suppliers: EPSRC iCASE and Airbus Operations Restricted 

Topic areas: Experimental Mechanics, Digital Picture Correlation (DIC), Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Supplies, Cryogenics, Hydrogen

Venture begin date: 

• 1 October 2024 (Enrolment open from mid-September)

Aligned programme of examine: PhD in Biomedical Engineering

Venture description: 

Hydrogen is among the main candidates for the propulsion of subsequent technology plane. Airbus’ Buildings Check division is considering repeatedly growing and refining an understanding of how supplies and parts behave when uncovered to the cryogenic temperatures required to retailer hydrogen in its liquid kind. The present strategies for instrumenting specimens for exams performed at cryogenic temperatures are restricted. Digital picture correlation (DIC) is a non-contact optical measurement method that may seize full-field displacement and pressure on parts beneath take a look at. DIC is very adaptable and is broadly utilized in mechanical testing when complicated, non-uniform pressure fields are anticipated and the place point-based measurements (e.g. pressure gauges) are inadequate. With the growing want to check supplies and parts at cryogenic temperatures comes the necessity to instrument these exams with data-rich strategies that operate in difficult cryogenic temperatures. The challenge will purpose to develop novel approaches to allow the usage of DIC throughout cryogenic mechanical testing and considerably advance the present instrumentation capabilities in preparation for testing the following technology plane.

DIC depends on good optical entry and a well-sized, high-contrast sample with the proper adhesion and deformability for the construction and sturdiness for its atmosphere. Relying on the supplies of curiosity, the floor could grow to be compromised in cryo-temperatures, hydrogen atmosphere in addition to the optics themselves, decreasing the picture high quality. Equally in situ mechanical testing with any imaging strategies has its personal challenges at low temperatures, e.g., thermal results on the load practice and pattern mounts. The Group on the Biomedical Engineering Simulation & Testing Lab (BEST Lab), led by Dr Arora, are actively pushing the boundaries of DIC, in addition to particle picture velocimetry (PIV) and digital quantity correlation (DVC) amongst different image-based experimental mechanics strategies. Measurements in difficult circumstances are a spotlight of the Group for >15 years. The problem of cryo-imaging could require bespoke and novel options to the imaging setup. Such challenges working in excessive environments and translation from the lab to fieldwork have been addressed by the Group through the years. The Group has expertise engaged on giant constructions and area exams, guaranteeing DIC finest observe stays in place in sensible industrial settings. Challenges with pressure corrections resulting from variable distortions, sample sturdiness, utility compatibility and method effectiveness beneath managed cryo-temperatures must be pursued on this studentship.

Eligibility

Candidates should maintain an undergraduate diploma at 2.1 degree (or Non-UK equal as outlined by Swansea College) in Engineering or comparable related science self-discipline. In case you are eligible to use for the scholarship (i.e. a pupil who’s eligible to pay the UK price of tuition charges) however don’t maintain a UK diploma, you’ll be able to examine our comparability entry necessities. Please be aware that you could be want to offer proof of your English Language proficiency.

This scholarship is open to candidates of any nationality.

Please go to our web site for extra info.