4-year iCase PhD studentship: Simulation of windscreen wiper performance

Application details:
Reference number: AAE-JK-1807
Start date: 1st October 2018
Closing date: 30th April 2018
Interview date: To be advised following the closing date.

Supervisors:
Primary supervisor: Dr James Knowles
Secondary supervisor: Dr George Mavros

Project Detail:
Prediction of windscreen wiper performance relies extensively on empirical methods. Whilst the influence of some design elements (such as the pre-tension of the wiper arm) may be inferred through experience, the exact physical mechanisms at work are not always understood.

Modern wiper-windscreen interaction is a multi-physics phenomenon that involves: structural dynamics; rubber-glass contact/friction; thin-film lubrication; control. This PhD project aims to numerically model the interaction between a wiper and the windscreen with the purpose of:
- replicating the physics of screen wiping in a simulation environment
- quantifying the relative influence of design parameters on wiper performance
- creating a predictive simulation tool to assist with optimum specification of windscreen wipers for particular vehicles.

The project is funded by an EPSRC iCASE award with support from Jaguar Land Rover (JLR). The successful applicant will work within the dynamics research group in the Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering Department at Loughborough University and benefit from an extensive range of facilities including a vibration lab and high-performance computing facilities. They will also spend up to 3 months working within JLR and disseminate their research findings at international conferences.

Find out more:
http://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/aae/

Loughborough University
Loughborough University is a top-ten rated university in England for research intensity (REF2014) and an outstanding 66% of the work of Loughborough’s academic staff who were eligible to be submitted to the REF was judged as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’, compared to a national average figure of 43%. You will work alongside academics who are leaders in their field. You will benefit from comprehensive support and guidance from our Graduate School, including tailored careers advice, to help you succeed in your research and future career.

Find out more: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/supporting-you/research/

Entry requirements:
Applicants should
• Have a first class honours or good upper second class degree in mechanical engineering or a related discipline (such as physics or mathematics).
• Demonstrate knowledge or experience applicable to one or more of the following areas: multibody dynamics; mechanics; mathematical modelling.
• Experience of programming in MATLAB/Simulink, or experience with multibody simulation packages (e.g. ADAMS, SIMPACK) is desirable but not essential.
• Meet the minimum English Language requirements, details available on the website
• Satisfy the UK residency requirement – see EPSRC eligibility criteria

Funding information:
The project is jointly funded by the EPSRC and JLR. The studentship provides a tax-free stipend of £17,777 per annum for four years plus tuition fees at the UK/EU rate. Due to funding restrictions, this is only available to those who are eligible to pay UK/EU fees. To qualify for a full award, all applicants must meet the EPSRC eligibility criteria including the minimum UK residency requirement https://www.epsrc.ac.uk/skills/students/help/eligibility/

Contact details:
Name: Dr George Mavros or Dr James Knowles
Email address: [Email Address Removed] or [Email Address Removed]
Telephone number: [+44] (0)1509 227237 or [+44] (0)1509 227223

How to apply:
Apply online at http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/apply/research/. Under programme name, select: Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering