Vacuum coating technology is delivering a range of exciting new materials to the engineering community with good tribological properties, using processing technology that is environmentally friendly and readily automated. Rolls-Royce has been developing the capability readiness of these materials and this requires a better definition of the mechanisms of friction and wear development. Of particular interest is the development of transfer layers and low friction in carbon-based coating systems and their stability over a range of temperatures. An assessment of the relative benefits of different formulations for water based environments is required. It is envisaged that this wear study will form the basis of a PhD investigation over a 3-year period. It is the intention to fund the major part of the work this year, leaving some follow-on spend to cover wear testing in the 2nd and perhaps 3rd year. The structure of this work should include:
• A preliminary review of current wear materials and vacuum technology capability in the UK.
• A particular focus on Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) materials and their manufacture.
• Characterisation of the tribosystem that operates with vacuum coatings such as DLC and development of transfer layers and evolution of friction behaviour.
• Development of algorithms to define and predict wear performance (perhaps an Archard-based analysis).
• Laboratory wear testing to validate the model.
It is anticipated that Rolls-Royce will be involved in the assessment of suitable candidates for the work, together with nCATS staff. Progress reviews will be held between Rolls-Royce and nCATS, initially each month until maturity in the work allows quarterly or perhaps 6-monthly assessment, by agreement between Rolls-Royce and nCATS.
The School of Engineering Sciences at the University of Southampton has an international reputation for research excellence. In the 2008 UK Research Assessment Exercise, the School (in collaboration with the Institute of Sound & Vibration Research) ranked second in the total number of Unit 28 academics whose research was deemed world leading or internationally excellent.
The School is a diverse community which is committed to creating an inclusive working and learning environment in which all individuals are equally treated and valued, and can achieve their potential. The School considers all studentship applications in relation to academic criteria and regardless of the individual's race, nationality, gender, or belief.
Entry requirements: Candidates will have a first class or upper second class degree (or its equivalent) in relevant disciplines, e.g. applied mathematics, physics, mechanical engineering
The successful candidate will work with a group of highly motivated, first class research students in the areas of tribology, condition monitoring, surface engineering, corrosion, microfluidics and electrochemical sensing. The Centre has a recently refurbished state-of-the-art laboratory with currently 8 academics, 8 post-doctoral researchers and 14 PhD researchers supported by a lab technician.
The studentship also includes a budget for project-related travel and subsistence of £ 5,000 over 3 years and a Rolls-Royce top-up of £5,000 per year, as well as a generous allowance to cover additional work (e.g. wear testing and laboratory support).
Study information
Qualification:
PhD
Study duration:
3 years
Study mode:
FT
Start month:
Oct 2010 (or as soon as possible thereafter)
Entry requirements:
BSc, MSc
No. of students per year:
1
Fees:
covered by studentship: EU/UK fees £3390 p.a. (figures subject to annual increase in October).
Funding information
Funder:
Rolls-Royce
Title:
Rolls-Royce PhD studentship in Wear Modelling and Validation of Vacuum Wear Coatings (DLC, CrN)
Value:
£13,290 per year for a 3-year duration; EU/UK fees £3390 p.a.; £5k T&S; £5k p.a. R-R Top-Up; generous addtl. works allowance
Number of awards per year:
1
Funding applies to:
UK applicants only
Funding notes:
fully covers University tuition fees (at EU/UK level**) and provides a tax-free bursary of £13,290 per year, rising annually (each October) in line with the UK Government (EPSRC) recommended rate, for a 3-year duration. **EU/UK fees £3390 p.a. (figures subject to annual increase in October).
Funding duration:
3 years
Contacts and how to apply
Academic contact:
Prof Robert Wood
Administrative contact and how to apply:
An on-line application form (or hard copy version) with guidance notes can be accessed here: http://www.soton.ac.uk/ses/courses/pg/pgapply.html
Please read the notes carefully before applying. Applications will only be considered on receipt of a completed application form.
You can attach your supporting documents to the on-line application. You can also send them by email to Julia Zimbler jfz@soton.ac.uk (or send by fax or post if you are unable to send them electronically):
Julia Zimbler, Postgraduate Admissions, Graduate School Office, School of Engineering Sciences, Room 4009, Lanchester Building, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK.
Fax: +44 (0) 2380 59 5167.
