PhD: Next Generation High Power Ultrasonic Devices for Consumer Products

Applications are invited for a fully funded PhD position to work on an exciting industrially focused project. The project aims to develop high power ultrasonic systems (HPUS) incorporating novel ultrasonic based transduction technologies.

High power ultrasonic systems operate over a diverse landscape and with a wide range of transducers and system capabilities: for example, cleaning, welding and sonochemistry. Moreover, medical applications of high power ultrasound are also undergoing a significant period of development and acceptance for therapeutic and surgical applications. For this PhD research project, HPUS techniques will be applied to the consumer product domain where ultrasonic devices are becoming increasingly more common. The key research areas will include: calibration/characterisation of HPUS systems; control of the generated cavitation field; new transducer designs incorporating advanced piezoelectric materials; system miniaturisation; and the application of high intensity focussed ultrasound (HIFU) technology to provide control of the HPUS performance. Throughout the research programme, simulation techniques will be used to support system development and understanding, and a range of prototype devices will be fabricated, characterised and evaluated.

The project will involve working in an inter-disciplinary team environment in the Centre for Ultrasonic Engineering (CUE), utilising the laboratory infrastructure in the Strathclyde’s new Technology Innovation Centre. CUE has a broad portfolio of research projects, which will provide an exciting and innovative environment for the successful student to grow their PhD research activities. Importantly, there are excellent opportunities for training and experience in a wide range of tools and techniques, extending their skill set and experience base.

The CUE laboratories provide high quality equipment to support the project, including transducer fabrication, materials characterisation, ultrasonic array instrumentation and automation. In addition, CUE has a large postdoctoral researcher team with high levels of experience in relevant technologies to provide support to the successful PhD student. There will be opportunities for students to travel internationally, both to conferences and for a secondment period with the project industrial partner.

Applicants should have a Honours degree (minimum 2.1) or an MEng/MSc degree in an engineering, physics, materials science, mathematics or related discipline. They must be able to demonstrate enthusiasm, resourcefulness and a mature approach in learning.
The successful candidate will be based within the Centre for Ultrasonic Engineering.

Initial enquiries and expressions of interest should be directed to the CUE Director, Prof Tony Gachagan [Email Address Removed] or project supervisor Dr Richard O’Leary [Email Address Removed]

Complete an online application, providing supporting documentation (degree qualifications, two academic references and a CV).