New Vibration Speaker Development

The Gel Audio™ Loudspeaker Technology that I co-invented produced high quality sound over a surface through the hydrogel. It was also developed and incorporated into an audio product called the Woweeone. This product was designed to produce the bass sound on the surface it was attached to, and used a standard tweeter. The UPS of the the speaker technology was that it could produce quality sound even if hermetically sealed in an enclosure.

The project is to develop the technology so that it is sustainable and made of material that is completely recyclable. The method of producing the vibrations and the attachment to the material is not constrained to any specific design and could be developed for many applications, from underwater communications, bone conduction, medical to incorporated into fabrications for buildings or wall surround systems.

How the technology works on different materials and should be researched. Could the vibrations in the surroundings of the installations produced data / information through the technology, for example.

Applications should make it clear the project you are applying for and the name of the supervisors.

Academic qualifications

A first-class honours degree, or a distinction at master level, or equivalent achievements ideally in Product Design Engineering, Mechatronics.

English language requirement

If your first language is not English, comply with the University requirements for research degree programmes in terms of English language.

Application process

Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the supervisor, Norman Harris ([Email Address Removed]) to discuss the content of the project and the fit with their qualifications and skills before preparing an application. 

The application must include: 

Research project outline of 2 pages (list of references excluded). The outline may provide details about

• Background and motivation, explaining the importance of the project, should be supported also by relevant literature. You can also discuss the applications you expect for the project results.
• Research questions or
• Methodology: types of data to be used, approach to data collection, and data analysis methods.
• List of references

The outline must be created solely by the applicant. Supervisors can only offer general discussions about the project idea without providing any additional support.

• Statement no longer than 1 page describing your motivations and fit with the project.
• Recent and complete curriculum vitae. The curriculum must include a declaration regarding the English language qualifications of the candidate.
• Supporting documents will have to be submitted by successful candidates.
• Two academic references (but if you have been out of education for more than three years, you may submit one academic and one professional reference), on the form can be downloaded here.

Applications can be submitted here.

Download a copy of the project details here.