Active Noise Control on Controllable Flexible Surfaces

Supervisory Team:   Chuang Shi, Jordan Cheer

Project description

Active noise control (ANC) has been developed over many years to mitigate unwanted noise in various environments. It finds applications in areas such as noise-cancelling headphones, car cabins, aircraft interiors, and even in windows for creating quieter spaces. However, the performance of an ANC system remains limited by its acoustic design, which necessitates customizing the placement of electroacoustic components for each specific ANC application.

This project aims to revolutionize ANC by introducing new degrees of freedom, enabling the system to autonomously adapt the placement of electroacoustic components to on-site conditions. One feasible way is to integrate a control source and an array of sensors into an ANC unit that can communicate with other ANC units and can be moved automatically.

The successful candidate will investigate the design and engineering of autonomous ANC units that are empowered with the ability to operate in a self-organized manner, driven by collective intelligence. These units will form a controllable flexible surface that isolates the noise source or protects the listener with superior noise reduction effectiveness. To achieve this, a range of numerical and experimental techniques will be necessary to master.

The ideal applicant should possess experience and a keen interest in acoustics, robotics, control, and signal processing. However, the specific focus of the research is likely to depend on the skills of the successful candidate.

Embarking on this project offers an exciting opportunity to pioneer advancements in the field of ANC and create innovative solutions for noise reduction in various real-world scenarios. Furthermore, the successful candidate will have the privilege of being part of the Signal Processing, Audio, and Hearing Group at the Institute of Sound and Vibration Research (ISVR) and will benefit from access to professional experimental facilities, as well as the opportunity to collaborate with renowned scholars and experts at ISVR.

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Dr Chuang Shi, Signal Processing Audio & Hearing Research Group, Email: [Email Address Removed].

Entry Requirements

A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent).

Closing date: applications should be received no later than 31 August 2024 for standard admissions, but later applications may be considered depending on the funds remaining in place.

Funding: For UK students, Tuition Fees and a stipend of £18,622 tax-free per annum for up to 3.5 years.

How To Apply

Apply online: Search for a Postgraduate Programme of Study (soton.ac.uk). Select programme type (Research), 2024/25, Faculty of Physical Sciences and Engineering, next page select “PhD Engineering & Environment (Full time)”. In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor Chuang Shi

Applications should include:

Research Proposal

Curriculum Vitae

Two reference letters

Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date

For further information please contact: [Email Address Removed]