Materials and manufacturing for advanced indoor people tracking

Reference Number

Please refer to SCEBE-20-024-CHSF

Background

This project seeks to build on existing work related to the indoor person tracking on the basis of an advanced electronics prototype using a form of indoor GPS. The key issue is that conventional satellite-based GPS does not work effectively indoors and Dr Sinan Sinanovic has developed an award-winning miniature electronics system to obviate this difficulty.

Aim and scope of work

This particular research project seeks to advance the published work by Dr Sinanovic by the use of smart design and manufacturing techniques to convert the prototype system into a formal manufacturable system capable of deployment in a real context. The work will involve the use of Advanced CAD -PTC Creo v5 or later including Creo Manufacture, use of G&M codes, 5 axis machining, and rapid prototyping using the recently improved and updated rapid prototyping capability within GCU. Knowledge of materials and processes will be required as well as liaising with Electronics engineers to ensure that wireless and optical methods inherent in the prototype system are not attenuated by manufacturing choices. There may also be some requirements to use Ansys FEA or similar analytical software in order to optimise the design.

Person Specifications

The successful applicant will hold a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject (UK 1.1 or 2.1 classification) or equivalent. Good understanding and prior experience of working and thinking independently as a mechanical/manufacturing engineer, including CAD such as PTC Creo v5 or similar CAE experience, knowledge of CNC machining and G&M code programming, product design and development and fixture design would be ideal, though some of these can be learned during the project. Please note this is a self-funded opportunity. 

How to Apply

This project is available as a 3 years full-time or 6 years part-time PhD study programme. 

Candidates are encouraged to contact the research supervisors for the project before applying. 

Please note that emails to the supervisory team or enquires submitted via this project advert do not constitute formal applications; applicants should apply using our Application Process page, choosing Mechanical Engineering and their preferred intake date.  

Please send any other enquires regarding your application to: researchapplications@gcu.ac.uk