Advanced Cost Models for Application in Composite Aero-Engine Components (with Rolls-Royce)

Fully Funded PhD Studentship in Advanced Cost Models for Application in Composite Aero-Engine Components (with Rolls-Royce)

Birmingham City University - Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment - Centre for Advanced Design Engineering

Stipend: £14,057

The Centre for Advanced Design Engineering at Birmingham City University are pleased to invite applications for a three-year PhD studentship in Advanced Cost Models for Application in Composite Aero-Engine Components. The research will be undertaken at the Centre for Advanced Design Engineering in collaboration with Rolls-Royce Plc. in Derby, UK and supervised by Prof Craig Chapman and Dr Pathmeswaran Raju of Birmingham City University and Dr Phani Chinchapatnam of Rolls-Royce.

Project: Composite technology is one of the key technologies that Rolls-Royce is focussing to develop the next generation of aero-engine architectures. The proposed project aims to develop an advanced cost modelling system capable of evaluating product unit and lifecycle cost for composite components. The project will investigate how we (1) characterise composite knowledge so that it can be efficiently utilised in developing advanced cost modelling systems; (2) incorporate uncertainty information and generate a reliable estimate to support project, sub-system and component level business cases and (3) seamlessly integrate the acquired knowledge into the virtual cost modelling environment to enable multi-disciplinary optimisation of component designs. It is anticipated that the project will deliver a knowledge-based software component for composite technology, which can be integrated into existing design/manufacturing workflows.

Person specification: Applicants will be enthusiastic and self-motivated persons who meet the academic requirements for enrolment on a PhD degree at Birmingham City University. Applicants should have a 1st or 2.1 class Bachelors or Masters Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Engineering Design, or a related discipline. A keen interest in cost modelling and/or composites will be appreciated.
Funding: The studentship will cover tuition fees, and a tax-free bursary of £14,057 per year will be provided for three-year duration, subject to satisfactory progress. Overseas students are eligible to apply.

Application: Please send your CV including contact details of two professional referees with a cover letter to Sue Witton at [Email Address Removed] with the subject line of “PhD Studentship in Advanced Cost Models for Application in Composite Aero-Engine Components”. Informal enquiries prior to making an application may be addressed to Dr Pathmeswaran Raju at [Email Address Removed].
Closing date: 30th November 2015. However, early application is strongly encouraged.