PhD studentship of Process Optimisation for Large Infusion Composite Aerostructures
Cranfield University – Composites Centre
Academic Supervisors: Dr A Skordos
Duration: Three years Start Date: October 2010
Closing Date: 10 September 2010
Supported by EU-FP7, a studentship up to £14,400 p.a. for 3 years plus fees* is available
Cranfield University has an opportunity for a highly motivated graduate to undertake research in the area of optimisation of composites processing with a focus on the infusion of large scale aerospace components.The continually increasing use of fibrous composites in the aerospace industry has generated the impetus for the development of processing routes and methodologies that combine high performance of the structural components with low cost and robustness. Process simulation has become an important part of these advances with the development and implementation of software tools that allow predictive modelling of the physical processes occurring during manufacture such as resin impregnation and curing.
This project will focus on the use of models to design the process via numerical optimisation and application of inverse methodologies. Evolutionary optimisation will be applied to solve the single and multi-objective optimisation problems of maximising quality and minimising cost. Coupling of modelling with on-line process monitoring techniques will lead to the development of a methodology that deals with uncertainty in material properties and process conditions met in the industrial environment via an inverse scheme.
The numerical work will be accompanied by experimental efforts on the link between process quality and structural performance, whilst the concepts developed will be demonstrated on an industrial scale.
The successful applicant will work within the Composites Centre at Cranfield University, which has extensive experience in the field of composites manufacturing, process simulation and optimisation and on-line monitoring of composites processing.
This project is a part of the European FP7 funded project INFUCOMP (Simulation Based Solutions for Industrial Manufacture of Large Infusion Composite Parts) which involves a team of industrial partners and academic partners, such as Bombardier Aerospace, Hexcel (France), INASCO (Greece), Ecole des Mines de Douai and Saint-Etienne (France),and the Institute For Aircraft Design (IFB, Germany).
For an informal discussion on this project please contact Dr Alex Skordos: a.a.skordos@cranfield.ac.uk
Entry Requirements:
Applicants should have a First or Upper Second Class UK Honours degree, or equivalent, in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, materials science or other relevant science discipline. Good mathematical skills and some knowledge of computer programming are also important.
Funding
*Supported by an EU FP7 Project grant, this studentship will cover the tuition fees at the UK/EU rate only and provide a bursary of up to £17,000 p.a. for three years dependent upon qualifications and experience.
How to apply
Please submit a CV and complete the application form at: http://www.cranfield.ac.uk/students/applications/apply_pgresearch.pdf
Alternatively, for more information and an application form please contact:
School of Applied Sciences
T: 44 (0)1234 754086
E: appliedsciences@cranfield.ac.uk
W: www.cranfield.ac.uk/sas/studentships?id=jobs
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