NSIRC Advancement and Application of Microwave Techniques for Non-Destructive Testing
NSIRC Advancement and Application of Microwave Techniques for Non-Destructive Testing
Institution
National Structural Integrity Research Centre (NSIRC)
Topic
PhD-NSIRC 280
Application Deadline
31st December 2024
Funding Availability
Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
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 successful candidate will be primarily located at TWI’s state of the art NDT research and development facility in Port Talbot, South Wales, UK.
The general aim of this doctoral study is to increase the technology readiness level of microwave NDE addressing both fundamental laboratory challenges and 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.
Candidate Requirements
Candidates should have (or be on target to achieve within the next 12 months) a degree at 2.1 minimum in maths, physics or relevant Engineering discipline, or an equivalent overseas degree. Overseas applicants should also submit IELTS results (minimum 6.5) if applicable.
Funding Notes
This project is funded by TWI Ltd and University of Manchester. The funding covers the cost of Home/EU tuition fees and a standard tax-free bursary stipend of approximately £23,000 - £26,000 per year for three and a half years. Non-EU students are welcome to apply, but the funding will only cover the cost of overseas tuition fees and the applicant needs to self-fund their living cost for three and a half years.
About Industrial Sponsor
TWI's Core Research Programme (CRP) provides funding for NSIRC PhD Studentships that are designed to meet the needs of TWI Industrial Member companies. Projects are selected that address the most significant challenges currently faced by TWI and its Industrial Members, in relation to specific technology areas and/or industry sectors that have been identified as being of critical interest to future operations.
About University/Department
The team at the University of Manchester specialise in the research and application of electromagnetic techniques, working in this area for several decades, with a broad range of industrial partners. Visit The University of Manchester website for more details.
About NSIRC | TWI
NSIRC is a state-of-the-art postgraduate engineering facility established and managed by structural integrity specialist TWI, working closely with lead academic partner Brunel University, the universities of Cambridge, Manchester, Loughborough, Birmingham, Leicester and a number of leading industrial partners. NSIRC aims to deliver cutting edge research and highly qualified personnel to its key industrial partners.
TWI Technology Centre (Wales) specialises in the development and application of state-of-the-art non-destructive testing (NDT) methods. Through applied research and development in response to requests for assistance from member companies, we provide real-world solutions to inspection challenges across a broad range of industries.
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