Modelling the mechanical behaviour of power electronics components

The computational mechanics and reliability group (CMRG) is engaged in a number of projects related to power electronics systems. It is part of the £18M EPSRC funded Centre for Power Electronics which brings together a number of leading UK universities undertaking research in this area. Power electronics is a key enabling technology that underpins next generation renewable energy sources, future electricity networks, transport, motor drives, lighting, etc. As such it is seen a significant contributor to help the UK achieve its target of an 80% cut in greenhouse emissions by 2050.

At present the impact of vibration and thermally induced deformation on power electronics components is poorly understood. CMRG have been undertaking research in this area for a number of years which has led to the development of our software tool PowerLife. Further detailed mathematical and numerical models are required to be developed and embedded into this tool which aims to help power electronics design engineers fully understand how reliable particular components will be when subjected to different environments (for example when the components are part of the electronic systems in an aircraft, automobile or on wind farms, etc).

The proposed research to be undertaken through this PhD scholarship will require the candidate to:
- Model the mechanical behaviour of power electronic components using a mixture of applicable techniques from analytical models to numerical models (including finite element analysis)
- Collaborate with colleagues within the Power Electronics Centre to share both modelling and test data
- Develop reliability models (based on physics of failure methods) and validate with test data
- Embed above models within the groups software tool PowerLife for fast reliability predictions of power electronic systems

Applicants should have, or expect to obtain, a first class or an upper second class honours degree or equivalent in mechanical engineering, physics or a related discipline. Applicants who have experience in stress analysis, damage mechanics, Finite Element analysis, programming in Fortran and/or C# are particularly welcome.

Further information on CMRG and the Centre for Power Electronics can be found at:
http://www2.gre.ac.uk/about/faculty/ach/research/centres/cmrg/home
http://www.powerelectronics.ac.uk/power-electronics/index.aspx


For further information please visit: http://www2.gre.ac.uk/research/study/studentships (Ref: VCS-ACH-05-15)

You can contact the supervisor for this programme, Dr Hua Lu, via H.Lu @gre.ac.uk

Making an application:
Please read this information before making an application. Information on the application process is
available at:
http://www2.gre.ac.uk/research/study/apply/application_process

Applications need to be made online via this link. No other form of application will be considered.