Applications are invited from suitably qualified UK candidates for a PhD scholarship (3 years, full-time plus 12 months writing up) for the research program of the EPSRC Future Metrology Hub of the University of Huddersfield in conjunction with NPL Huddersfield.
3 years full time research PhD studentship covers tuition fees and a tax free bursary (stipend) starting at £15,609 for 2021/22 and increasing in line with the EPSRC guidelines for the subsequent years (please note that no funding is available for the writing up period).
· Project Introduction
X-ray Computed Tomography (XCT) is an established 3D imaging technology employed extensively for medical imaging and materials characterisation. Identified as a capable inspection tool to facilitate the adoption of additive manufacturing (AM) in critical industry sectors, XCT can measure complex AM structures and internal geometries unachievable using traditional tactile and optical methods. However, XCT is not considered as mature for dimensional metrology as compared to conventional metrology counterparts. This project aims to develop a modular reference artefact to characterise multiple XCT performances simultaneously. The artefact will also facilitate the measurement of typical AM performance characteristics.
· Project Details
The literature describes numerous reference standards and methodologies designed to quantify and verify the performance of XCT system. The fundamental premise of a reference standard is to provide a ground truth, known quantities describing the reference standard, that can be used for the purposes of system qualification, calibration, quality assurance, and/or the optimisation of data collection and its subsequent analysis. Many of the methodologies detailed in the literature are not mutually exclusive and could be coupled together into a single system thus maximising the benefit of performing time consuming imaging. In addition, these standards and methodologies rarely put into consideration the representative characteristics of AM parts.
The successful candidate will develop knowledge on the influential factors that affect the performance of XCT system. The candidate will then collate information on existing reference artifacts and standards used to quantify these factors with the aim to design and construct a configurable modular system of interchangeable components that can be adapted to specific measurement challenges, especially to the measurement of AM products. The reference will include core elements to measure at least scale error but will have the option to introduce additional features.
The project will involve the use CAD software such as SolidWorks to design the reference standard and the development of bespoke analysis routines, in either MATLAB or Python. Output from the project may include the implementation of a GUI providing a framework for further analysis routines to be added as new capabilities and methodologies become available.
This PhD project will be jointly supported by the EPSRC Future Metrology Hub of the University of Huddersfield and the National Physics Laboratory Huddersfield.
· Supervision team
Academic supervisors: Dr Shan Lou, Dr Wenhan Zeng, Prof. Dame Xiangqian Jane Jiang
NPL supervisors: Dr David Gorman
· Deadline
Application deadline: 30 Jun 2021
Project start date: 01 Oct 2021
Interview date: the week commencing 5 July 2021
· Entry Requirements
A successful candidate is expected to have at least a 2:1 or equivalent experience in an engineering, physical science, or otherwise mathematical discipline. With the aid of the supervisors the candidate will be expected to develop bespoke image analysis routines within either the MATLAB or Python environment and should therefore be able to demonstrate ability and interest in analytical programming. A strong affinity for 3D spatial reasoning would also be beneficial.
· Application details
(1) Complete the EPSRC Expression of Interest
(2) Provide a copy of CV
(3) Provide copies of transcripts and certificates of all relevant academic and/or any professional qualifications.
(4) Provide references from two individuals
Completed forms, including all relevant documents should be submitted via-email to [Email Address Removed]
· Informal enquiries
Informal enquiries can be addressed to Dr Shan Lou ([Email Address Removed]) and Dr David Gorman ([Email Address Removed])
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