4 Year EngD: Process monitoring during grinding of novel aerospace grade materials (sponsored by AMRC)

Start date: 2 September 2019
Stipend: £18,000 pa and fees paid at Home/EU rates

Project Description

The scope of this project aims to develop in-process monitoring of grinding technology with the principal focus on data capture, analysis and process health monitoring. The project would look to identify the possible data streams that are available during a range of grinding processes and determine how this data can be used to better understand, monitor, improve and manage the process. These data streams could include process parameters, part measurements taken during machining, environmental conditions, in process outputs, etc.

This project aims to address the following technological challenges
• Data collection from across a range of grinding processes – The challenge will be how to collect the data reliably and with minimal opportunity for data loss. Integration with systems already in use will be a key challenge as each system will likely have its own data format and storage requirements. Real time monitoring and feedback will also be a significant challenge.
• Processing and storage of data for a large quantity of components – It is important that a sufficient quantity of data is collected and a reliable method of storing this data is essential. It may be necessary to process and summarise data prior to central storage.
• Identifying trends and relationships in the data – It is anticipated that this will involve machine learning techniques
• Understanding of key process variables – Mapping of all process variables and their impact on process output metrics and ultimately component performance will also be critical factors to ensure a closed loop methodology can be established.
Whilst there are many data streams that can be captured, it is not known which of these are pertinent to fully controlling the process due to the typical variations evident in grinding. A key element of the project will be to identify which data streams should be captured to provide adequate insight into the complete grinding process.

All applications should be submitted online. See the How to Apply section of the IDC in Machining Science website. Please follow the instructions carefully, and ensure that you specify which project you are applying for and include in your statement why you are interested in the project and how you will contribute.

Applicants must have, or expect to get, a 1st or good 2:1 degree (or Masters with Merit) in a relevant science or engineering subject such as mechanical engineering, materials science or physics.

https://www.ms-idc.co.uk/how-to-apply

For an informal discussion, in the first instance please contact the IDC Centre Team, [Email Address Removed].