Development of a CubeSat module for in-situ evaluation of space lubricants

Applications are invited for a PhD (via MPhil) studentship in the Jost Institute for Tribotechnology, within the School of Engineering. The studentship (£16,062) is tenable for up to 3.5 years full time (subject to satisfactory progress) and tuition fees will be paid by the university at the rate for UK students. Both Home/EU and international Applicants may apply, but EU and international applicants will be expected to pay the difference between the UK student fee and the relevant fee rate.

It is expected the successful applicant will commence 12 September 2022

Project Description:

Currently a very small number of lubricants are approved for use in space, with only one (Fomblin Z25) produced in Europe. Evaluation and approval of new and existing space lubricants (for specific applications) is a long and expensive process conducted terrestrially, so the final assessment only really occurs on a mission in which failure may waste millions of pounds.

A CubeSat is a microsatellite built in units of 10x10x10 cm designed to allow low-cost experiments in space. This project aims to complete design and testing of a module, small enough to fit in a CubeSat, to evaluate the effectiveness of new space lubricants in space for a range of contact configurations.

Further information

Informal project related enquiries about the post can be made to:

Prof Ian Sherrington ([Email Address Removed])

For full details go to: https://www.uclan.ac.uk/research/research-degrees/studentships

Please apply using the following link, quoting the studentship reference number DTC052

https://my.uclan.ac.uk/BANP/bwskalog.P_DispLoginNon

For any other queries, please email [Email Address Removed].

Closing Date: 24^TH June 2022

Proposed Interview Date: TBC

CURRENT UCLAN RESEARCH STUDENTS WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR THIS RESEARCH STUDENTSHIP