Large volume metrology is used to achieve accurate, precise and reliable dimensional measurements across large spaces using portable tools. The technique is at its most challenging in aerospace where industry requires aircraft wings, comprising many components, to be rapidly manufactured to exacting sub-millimetre tolerances while incorporating lighter, stronger materials that must be rigorously assessed in both digital and physical environments.
This PhD project is part of an initiative under the Royal Academy of Engineering / Airbus Chair in Large Volume Metrology and will cover the following themes.
• Development of highly accurate automated 3D image feature recognition necessary for the metrology of manufactured aircraft components and test specimens.
• Capture and processing of photogrammetric grade images using networks of low-cost cameras combined into manufacturing infrastructure, industrial robots and drone technologies.
• Define the design requirements for future aircraft in context with engineered surface finishes and built-in features for 3D coordination, to enable targetless measurement
The successful applicant will be part of the 3D Impact Group, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, based at UCL’s interdisciplinary HereEast facility on London’s Olympic Park. Working under joint supervision with Airbus R&T at Broughton, PhD outcomes will provide the successful candidate with highly valuable industry research focused transferable skills and provide Airbus with the opportunity to move validated industrial-scale demonstrators into production systems.
Applicants (Home fee rate only) should be outstanding academically, ideally have 1st class (or a very good 2’1) undergraduate degree or equivalent in computing, robotics, physics, geomatics with a clear aptitude and enthusiasm for experimental research. The research will comprise experimental work on demonstrator and full-scale aircraft structures deploying state of the art imaging systems together with theoretical modelling and algorithm development. The ideal candidate would have the following skills and knowledge.
Experience of hands-on experimental work in a research environment is a significant advantage, with a preference for (but not limited to digital imaging; computer vision; photogrammetry; metrology; aerospace engineering and; robotics.
• Understanding of 3D imaging using passive and active sensors
• Computer programming (e.g.,C, C++, MATLAB, Python, OpenSource APIs)
• Curiosity and excitement for interdisciplinary research
The studentship covers Home tuition fees and an annual tax free stipend of £17,609 (2021-22), increasing annually with inflation. Additional support will cover consumables, books, professional memberships and travel to workshops and conferences.
To be eligible for fees at the UK rate, you must normally be a national of the UK (or in specified cases the family member of a UK national), be ordinarily resident in the UK on the first day of the first academic year of your programme and have been ordinarily resident within the UK, the Republic of Ireland, the specified British overseas territories or the Channel Islands/Isle of Man (the “Islands”) for the three year period before the first day of the first academic year of your programme.
Interested international candidates who have secured their own funding either through personal funds or international scholarship are encouraged to contact us as soon as possible. Please note there is no direct funding available for international students.
Applicants should send a covering letter and CV to Prof. Stuart Robson ([Email Address Removed]). The successful applicant will then have to apply online to UCL by submitting the PhD application form which they can do by clicking on the Apply now button at the bottom of this page: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/research-degrees/civil-environmental-geomatic-engineering-mphil-phd. Please name Prof. Stuart Robson as the proposed supervisor.
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