Rolls-Royce sponsored PhD Scholarship – Design and Simulation of Stiffness-Adjustable Robotic Systems for Performing on-Wing Repair of Aero-Engines

Short info about job

Detail information about job Rolls-Royce sponsored PhD Scholarship – Design and Simulation of Stiffness-Adjustable Robotic Systems for Performing on-Wing Repair of Aero-Engines. Terms and conditions vacancy

Applicants are invited to undertake a 3 year PhD programme in partnership with industry to address key challenges in on-platform manufacturing engineering. The successful candidate will be based at The Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre (UTC) in Manufacturing and On-Wing Technology at University of Nottingham.

We are seeking applicants to start on a Rolls-Royce project before September 2017. 

This project is in relation to the technical needs of Rolls-Royce to develop automatic and hybrid tooling solutions to enable in-situ/on-wing repair and maintenance of gas turbine engines.

At the Rolls-Royce UTC at University of Nottingham we have developed robotic systems capable to navigate into crammed/hazardous environments, and perform inspection and active operations such as machining. This is driven by the need to complete repair tasks without disassembly of industrial installations. We have developed a free-leg hexapod and advanced it into a walking machine tool.

We also developed a series of continuum robots in both short and long versions. Both systems can be coupled to result into hybrid robots having ability to both walk/navigate and then perform tasks with end-effectors attached to both hexapod and continuum arm sub-systems. At the Rolls-Royce UTC we have developed a unique capability to design, model and realise our own robotic systems to perform tasks within restrictive environments.

This project builds on these research/industrial successes and proposes control solutions for automated robotic systems capable to be teleoperated using smart human-machine interfaces.

This is an exciting PhD project that has a combination of academic and industrial challenges which will enhance the student’s ability to tackle complex intellectual and practical aspects of mechatronics/control and manufacturing.

We are seeking talented candidates with:

• First or upper second class degree in mechanical/mechatronics/robotics/cybernetics or related scientific discipline.
• First rate analytical and numerical skills, with a well-rounded academic background.
• Demonstrated ability to develop precision mechanical devices/mechatronics.
• Ability to develop kinematic and/or dynamic analysis of mechanical/robotic systems.
• Ability to use finite element modelling and to simulate of complex mechatronics.
• Ability to implement control and kinematics with hardware-in-the–loop.
• Background with relevant packages, (CREO/SOLIDWORKS, ANSYS/ABAQUS, MATLAB)
• A driven, professional and self-dependent work attitude is essential.
• Experience of working within industry will be an advantage.
• The ability to produce high quality presentations and written reports.

This is an excellent opportunity to work on a novel robotic system with strong links to industrial applications and key skills and knowledge in preparation for a high-impact, high-technology research or industrial career.

The scholarship on offer (to eligible students) comprises a tax-free stipend of £19,000 a year; tuition fees paid and a generous study package.

Eligibility: Only UK Higher Education “Home Fee” status applicants and EU residents satisfying the three-year residency requirement are eligible.

Please contact the UTC director, Prof. Dragos Axinte, for further information.

Email: [email protected] Tel: 011595 14117