About the Project
The Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering at the University of Strathclyde are inviting applications for a fully-funded PhD studentship, focusing on remote ultrasonic imaging in extreme environments using laser ultrasonics.
Laser ultrasonics is a remote, non-destructive technique that uses the light of lasers to generate and detect ultrasound and can be applied in extreme environments or in places of restricted access, for in-line process monitoring or in-service inspection. The idea behind this PhD is to couple laser ultrasonics with technology developed for ultrasonic phased arrays using conventional transducers. This PhD study is an excellent opportunity for experimental research as well as engaging with industry.
Ultrasonic Phased arrays have changed the way ultrasonic imaging is perceived and have had a profound impact in science, medicine and society, as they are at the heart of all medical ultrasonic imaging systems and sonars. Conventional ultrasonic transducers are used for the vast majority of imaging with phased arrays and this is a contact technique, requiring some kind of couplant, in most cases a liquid, or a water immersion tank may be needed. These requirements cannot always be fulfilled for example in extreme environments: hot environments found during the manufacturing process, or space. The aim of the PhD study is to use laser ultrasonics for remote ultrasonic imaging, addressing the current technological limitations of conventional ultrasonic transducers. It is expected that laser induced phased arrays will deliver a breakthrough in remote ultrasonic imaging.
The ambition of the PhD project is to translate this capability into safety-critical applications, for example imaging inside aero-engines, or during additive manufacturing, where conventional ultrasonic phased arrays cannot be applied.
The laser ultrasonic phased arrays will be synthesised in post processing and the core objectives of the PhD study will be:
• Optimisation of the data acquisition method to laser ultrasonics for fast data acquisition.
• Optimisation of imaging algorithms to laser ultrasonics for efficient ultrasonic imaging.
• Demonstration of the system’s potential for remote ultrasonic imaging in extreme environments.
The PhD student will be joining Strathclyde’s Centre for Ultrasonic Engineering, a leading research group in the field of ultrasonic phased array imaging. The project is a multi-disciplinary approach combining elements of laser applications, optics, ultrasonics, computational skills, engineering, material science and training will be offered in all aspects. Students from Engineering, Material Science or Physics with a strong interest in experimental design and industrial applications are particularly welcome to apply. The student is expected to demonstrate enthusiasm for research and possess excellent writing and presentation skills. Experience in experimental research would also be desirable.
To be considered for the project, candidates must:
• Be a UK or eligible EU national and adhere to Research Council (RCUK) eligibility criteria. More information on eligibility here:
https://www.epsrc.ac.uk/skills/students/help/eligibility/
• Possess or expect to obtain a UK first class or upper second (2.1) honours degree or the international equivalent or postgraduate Masters qualification in a relevant engineering or physics related subject.
Qualified applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervising academics Dr Theodosia Stratoudaki ([Email Address Removed]) or Prof Anthony Gachagan ([Email Address Removed]), sending their CV, academic transcript, a covering letter, highlighting their interests and suitability for the project and name of at least one referee. Please refer to the PhD studentship title on your email. Following review of the application submissions, selected candidates will be invited for interview. Application submission deadline is 13th March 2018. The project will start on 1st October 2018.
Funding Notes
Start Date : October 2018
This is an EPSRC funded studentship and funding is available to UK students or European students who have lived in the UK over the last three years. The project is for 3.5 years with an annual tax-free stipend of around £14,500, support with travel costs (£1500 per year) and UK/EU-level university fees.
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