Optical Fibre Sensing for Acoustic Leak Detection in Buried Pipelines

Supervisory Team:   J M Muggleton & M Kalkowski

Project description

Would you like to make a difference in protecting one of earth's most essential resources - water? Would you like to help the UK eliminate leakage-related water loss? A 3.5-year fully-funded PhD post is available to work on optical fibre sensing for acoustic leak detection, in the Dynamics Group of the world-renowned Institute of Sound and Vibration Research.

Leakage from pipes is a significant issue in the water industry, both in environmental and economic and health terms. The UK is determined to tackle this problem and recently set up the Zero Leakage 2050 initiative. Optical fibre technology offers the possibility of continuous acoustic monitoring along tens of kilometres of pipelines. The opportunities for levelling up pipeline sensing are tremendous and exciting. Owing to the nature of optical fibre usage, there is a considerable spare capacity that offers enormous potential for water leak sensing.

This PhD position focuses on exploring using existing fibre networks to detect water leaks. You will work on advanced wave modelling and signal processing, both theoretically and in the field. The project will help you develop a unique skillset in physics, mechanics, sensing, processing, and experimentation while making a meaningful impact in a timely subject area.

You will work in the Dynamics Group of the Institute of Sound and Vibration Research (ISVR) at Southampton. ISVR has been at the forefront of leak detection research for decades and shows a steady grant and industrial contracts income in this area. You will be a part of the Sustainable Infrastructure and Cities Centre for Doctoral Training which includes multi-disciplinary researchers from across the entire faculty. Finally, your will be working with key players in the water and DAS industries. The experimental work will be conducted at ISVR labs, the Future Towns Innovation Hub at Chilworth Science Park, and live industrial test sites.

The project is funded by UK Water Industry Research (UKWIR), the water industry research procurement body in the UK.

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Jen Muggleton, Institute of Sound and Vibration Research, Email: [Email Address Removed]

Entry Requirements

A very good undergraduate degree (ideally a 1^st class honours degree, but at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent) in an engineering discipline, mathematics or physics.

Closing date: applications should be received no later than 31 August 2023, but later applications may be considered depending on the funds remaining in place.

Funding: For UK students, Tuition Fees and a stipend of £17,668 tax-free per annum for up to 3.5 years.

Non-UK students may apply; full funding may be available or a small top-up from the student may be required, depending on the calibre of the applicant

How To Apply

Applications should be made online. Select programme type (Research), 2022/23, Faculty of Physical Sciences and Engineering, next page select “PhD Engineering & Environment (Full time)”. In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor Dr Jen Muggleton

Applications should include:

Research Proposal

Curriculum Vitae

Two reference letters

Degree Transcripts to date

Apply online: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/how-to-apply/postgraduate-applications.page

For further information please contact: [Email Address Removed]