Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy for subsea applications at Aberdeen University on FindAPhD.com

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Dr T Thevar Applications accepted all year round Self-Funded PhD Students Only

About the Project

Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) is a widely used technique to obtain the elemental constituents of a sample. The process uses a short pulse of focused laser light to evaporate a minute volume of a target substance by highly localized heating to temperatures greater than 5000 K. The plasma which is formed in the process emits spectra of light as it cools. This light spectrum can be used to identify the atomic elements present in the material and their abundance. The entire measurement takes less than one second and can be repeated at rates of 10 to 20 times per second. The proposed research will investigate extension of the LIBS process to deep water and down-hole scenarios.
While much study has been made of LIBS applied to surfaces covered in a thin film of water, very little has been published on the formation of a plasma and its development at high water pressures. The PhD project will involve both experimental and theoretical work to develop LIBS for deep sea applications.
The investigation will include the application of LIBS at high water pressures to the detection and possible quantification of corrosion in subsea pipelines and structures. The decommissioning of offshore oil and gas structures produces many by-products which arise from a range of oil and gas production activities. Quantitative identification of these by-products is essential to determine safe decommissioning procedures. LIBS is ideally suited to the detection and quantitative measurement of such products including inter alia lead and other heavy metals.

Other applications this project can be extended to will include:
• Detection of contaminants in water, this would include hydrocarbons which will be an indication of damaged pipeline
• Identification of steels in structural components
• Geological analysis of the sea floor
• Monitoring of environmental properties at depth
• Downhole measurements of rock structures, analysis of coal for underground coal gasification

The successful candidate should have, or expect to have, an Honours Degree at 2.1 or above (or equivalent) in Electrical/Electronic Engineering; Physics; Mechanical Engineering; Chemical Engineering.

Knowledge of: Advantageous to have knowledge in Laser and Optics.

Funding Notes

This project is for self-funded students only. There is no funding attached to this project. The successful applicant will be expected to pay Tuition Fees and living expenses, from their own resources, for the duration of study.

References

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

This project is advertised in relation to the research undertaken in Engineering. Formal applications can be completed online: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/postgraduate/apply. You should apply for Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering, to ensure that your application is passed to the correct College for processing.

NOTE CLEARLY THE NAME OF THE SUPERVISOR AND EXACT PROJECT TITLE YOU WISH TO BE CONSIDERED FOR ON THE APPLICATION FORM. Applicants are limited to applying for a maximum of 2 projects. Any further applications received will be automatically withdrawn.

Informal inquiries can be made to Dr T Thevar (t.thevar@abdn.ac.uk) with a copy of your curriculum vitae and cover letter. All general enquiries should be directed to the Graduate School Admissions Unit (cpsgrad@abdn.ac.uk).

Where will I study?

Aberdeen University

The University of Aberdeen is the fifth oldest university in the UK and boasts over 500 years of research and teaching excellence.

Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy for subsea applications

Aberdeen University School of Engineering