Smart Sensor Network Based on Nonlinearly Coupled Systems (SAM23)

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Project detail
The implementation of electro-mechanical systems in sensing application; mass/gas detection, pressure measurements, and charge sensing; have experienced rapid growth and demonstrated great potential in wide range of applications, such as medical and healthcare, food and agriculture safety, and environmental monitoring. This can be attributed to their distinctive features and their ability to be scaled from macro to nano scale. Linearly coupled systems have demonstrated high abilities as mechanical sensors. However, there is a considerable challenge of understanding and integrating their nonlinear capabilities into different sensing applications.

The aim of this PhD research project is to investigate an innovative technique and/or design to get advantage of nonlinear behaviour of nonlinearly coupled structures (mechanically or electrically coupled) to develop a network of smart sensors. Sensitivity and stability enhancement, and low-power consumption of the sensor network will be the key points of system design (nonlinearity types, material and dimensions…). The integration of the smart sensor network might be validated in the microscale level. This work will have significant impact on the integration of smart sensors operated nonlinearly into potential sensing applications.

Start date of studentship: 01 October 2020.
Entry requirements
Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering, Physics or a related subject.

A relevant Master’s degree and/or experience in one or more of the following will be an advantage: nonlinear dynamics analysis, computational mechanics, electro-mechanical system analysis/development.
How to apply
All applications should be made online at http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/apply/research/. Under programme name, select “Mechanical, Electrical & Manufacturing”.

Please quote reference number: SAM23