Virtual Validation of Engineered Complex Systems

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Project Detail:
Engineering complex systems such as aircraft, automobiles, trains etc., rely on extensive modelling and simulation before they are realised as products and enter service. Supporting this process is the need for a range of increasing fidelity mock-ups or prototypes to test where possible every aspect of the system from user interaction through to performance evaluation. However, the closer design faults are discovered nearer the finished product the more expensive it is to correct the fault or make subtle design changes that have expensive knock on costs. This studentship will focus on enabling research that will look at bringing the validation (known as virtual validation) closer to the early design stages rather than at the manufacturing stage. This brings important research challenges of how to reliably perform virtual validation on a computer model/simulation of the product long before it is built. This is a new aspect to co-simulation where elements of a complex product can be simulated simultaneously (possibly at different geographic locations) to create, for example, a whole vehicle simulation. New techniques involving virtual reality with model based engineering will be used to provide a comprehensive virtual validation environment. This is anticipated to be the next breakthrough in engineering since it will involve a paradigm shift in current working practices.

Entry requirements:
Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in Engineering or Computer Science related subject. A relevant Master’s degree and/or experience in these subjects would also be advantageous.

Contact details:
Name: Prof Roy S. Kalawsky
Email address: [Email Address Removed]
Telephone number: 01509 635678

How to apply:
All applications should be made online at http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/apply/research/. Please quote the reference SFRK032017 on all correspondence and especially on the application form. Please ensure that you select ‘Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering’ under ‘Programme Name’ on the application form.

Application details:
Reference number: SFRK032017

Supervisors:
Primary supervisor: Prof Roy S. Kalawsky
Secondary supervisor: to be advised