In this project you will contribute to the development a new type of gravity sensor that will be used to help forecast volcanic eruptions (and other geophysics applications). You will be involved in the design, fabrication, data modelling/analysis and field testing of this cutting-edge technology.
By measuring tiny variations in the Earth’s gravitational acceleration, g, you can infer density variations beneath the ground. Traditional gravity sensors (gravimeters) were costly and heavy, but with the advent of the technology used to make mobile phone accelerometers (MEMS – Microelectromechanical-systems), this is changing.
At Glasgow University we have already developed the first MEMS gravity sensor ( https://www.nature.com/articles/nature17397), which was named by the Institute of Physics as one of the top ten breakthroughs of global physics for 2016. The work continues, and we are now working with four other European nations to make a network of these MEMS gravity sensors around Mt Etna. It will be the first multi-pixel gravity imager – enabling unprecedented resolution of Etna’s plumbing system (http://www.newton-g.eu/).
The sensor you will develop in your PhD will be the next generation design. The first-generation sensor consisted of a mass on a spring, which moved in response to changing values of g. This, however, can only ever be used to measure changes in gravity, which means it is very difficult to tell the difference between a geophysical signal and instrumental drift. If we could measure absolute values of gravity, then instrumental drift would stop concerning us, and we wouldn’t need to calibrate the sensors against hugely expensive commercial absolute gravimeters. This reduction in cost is important when assessing volcanic risk because 8/10 of the countries at most risk from volcanic hazards are on the Overseas Development Agency (ODA) list.
One way of making absolute measurements of gravity is to use a pendulum. This method was used for hundreds of years until the scientists and engineers essentially ran out of fabrication tolerance about 100 years ago. But now nanofabrication is at our disposal… A small team are now working to develop such a sensor. We work within the JWNC lab, and with colleagues in the Institute for Gravitational Research (IGR), part of the team responsible for the Nobel-prize-winning discovery of gravitational waves.
This project offers an exciting opportunity to work in world leading research groups and labs. Depending on the funding scheme and your own skills/interests, the exact nature of the project/application will vary. Regardless, you’ll learn new skills and work collaboratively with a vibrant team of multidisciplinary researchers. You’ll get to work with collaborators in industry and academia from many countries. You’ll receive a tax-free stipend, and you’ll get to travel for field work and conferences. You’ll be encouraged to work hard when at university, but encouraged equally to maintain a healthy work/life balance. Glasgow’s fantastic night life/culture/music/sports facilities/proximity to the Highlands will certainly help with the latter!
A bit about your supervisor: Richard Middlemiss is a Royal Academy of Engineering research fellow, and proleptic lecturer. He believes science should be used for societal benefit, and enjoys sharing his work with the public. He wants to widen participation in Engineering/Physics, because diverse teams produce better work. You won’t just be working with him, though – you’ll be working in a friendly group of researchers between Engineering and Physics on similar topics.
Richard is looking for a new PhD student from a STEM background (engineering/physics/geophysics/geology etc.). Enthusiasm is essential, as well as a willingness to learn skills in many different areas of science and engineering, which you’ll use to bring this exciting new technology to fruition.
To apply, please email Richard ([Email Address Removed]) with a C.V and cover letter before the 23rd Jan 2022 (although you’re strongly encouraged to get in touch in advance to ask any informal questions – we’re very happy to chat over zoom about the project and what it would entail). The successful candidate/s will be put forward for one of two funded scholarships – one through the school, and the other through some industrially matched funding. The PhD position is conditional on this funding application. This funding is heavily weighted towards students from the UK, or those with a right to live in the UK.
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