Continuous on-line measurement of Oxide Spices for high yield electrical steel production

*This is a KESS 2 East scholarship opportunity. Please note the eligibility information in the advert text or contact the team for further information.*

Here is an exciting opportunity to study a hyper spectral imaging technology which could lead to entirely new approaches in continuous on-line measurement of Oxide Spices.
The selected candidate will apply their analytical skills and ambition to develop an on-line measurement system for continuously monitoring Oxide Spices for high yield electrical steel production. This PhD project, will allow the student to develop transferable knowledge and skills in this most exciting and active field of Photonics research.
This Knowledge Economy Skills Scholarship (KESS) project will be held in the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science at the University of South Wales. KESS is a programme funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) awarded by the Welsh European Funding Office (WEFO) in the Welsh Government. The project will focus on on-line optical measurement system design. This system will help to reduce the cost of high quality electrical steel and therefore reduce the cost of high efficient electric motors, transformers. This will help to increase energy efficient and save energy. The method developed in this project for continuous on-line measurement of oxide spices on electrical steel are expected to be useful for other metal production.
The project is backed by Cogent Power (part of Tata Steel), a world-leading electrical steel manufacturer.

Programme of research:

High-quality electrical steels are essential materials for high-efficient motors, generators and transformers. Continuous on-line measurement of oxide spices such as Ion Oxides and Silicate Oxides on electrical steel production line can enable precise control of the oxide spices, which can ensure high-yield (and therefore low cost) production of high-efficient electric steel.
So far, measurement of oxide spices on electrical steel is possible only on samples taken from the production lines due to the fast moving speed of the steel and harsh environment. This project is to develop a system to do it on the production line.

Studentship:
The studentship will cover the fees for a full-time PhD programme and pay a stipend of circa £14k p.a. There is also around £9k project support costs available for consumables, travel, minor equipment, training (including the KESS Grad School) and conference attendance.

The position is available from 1st April 2019.

Eligibility of Student:
To be eligible to hold a KESS studentship, you must:
• have a home address in East Wales area (details below)* at the time of registration.
• have the right to take up paid work in the East Wales area* on completion of the scholarship.
• be classified by the University as ‘home’ or ‘EU’ for tuition fees purposes according to the University’s guidelines.
• satisfy University of South Wales’s admissions criteria: see below, qualifications and experience and application process

* East Wales area covers: Vale of Glamorgan / Cardiff / Newport / Monmouthshire / Powys / Wrexham / Flintshire

Qualifications and experience:
Eligible applicants will:

• Have a degree (2i or higher) in Optics/Optical Engineering, Optoelectronics, Physics, or Electronics Engineering (or similar) with high level of optical content.
• Some exposure to or knowledge of optical system design, electronic, mechanical design and electrical steels would be a distinct advantage
• Computer literacy and familiarity with one or more of Zemax, Matlab, Labview and Solidwork are desirable.
• Self-motivated and organized with excellent communication skills
• Have well-developed and positively collaborative interpersonal skills
• Have an ability to deliver technical reports and communicate findings
• Be willing to travel and work in industrial settings

Application Process:

To download an application package, please visit: http://gro.southwales.ac.uk/studentships/KESSII/participant/

For any queries on eligibility, please contact: KESS Team at Research and Innovation Services, University of South Wales: [Email Address Removed] Tel: 01443 482578

For informal enquiries or further programme information, please contact: Dr Jungang Huang ([Email Address Removed]).

Closing date for applications: midnight 27th January 2019