About the Project
Start Date: ASAP
Supervisors:
Dr. Robert Grabowski – Lecturer in Catchment Science
Dr. Alessio Balleri – Radar Lecturer, Sensors
Funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), in collaboration with ITER Systems, this studentship will provide a bursary of up to £16,000 - £ 19,000 p.a. (tax free) plus fees* for three years
This PhD project will investigate the geomorphological dynamics of lowland and tidal rivers though an exciting combination of methodological development and boat-based fieldwork. The successful candidate will work with manufacturers of a bathymetric sonar sensor to improve the characterisation of bed sediments in shallow waters using bathymetric sonar. Then they will apply the improved surveying technology to rivers in France and the UK to monitor changes in bed levels, bedforms, and sediment properties to investigate the dynamics of mixed fine sediment riverbeds.
Sonar systems are routinely used for bathymetric surveying and, through analysis of the returning acoustic signal, to infer characteristics of the ocean floor, such as sediment grain size and density. However, standard signal processing methods are unsuitable for shallow water environments, like lowland rivers, where sediment properties vary significantly over short distances.
High frequency Phase Differencing Bathymetric Sonar (PDBS) (>300 kHz) has a wide beam (12 times water depth) and yields high-resolution bathymetry with precise depth measurements (3-12 mm), making it ideal for surveys in shallow water environments. Standard high resolution bathymetric sonar, though, is limited in the information that can be generated from the acoustic backscatter data. The PhD student will work with ITER Systems to (1) develop and test a prototype multi-frequency PDBS, novel transmitted sonar signals, and signal analysis protocols, and then (2) evaluate their performance to detect variations in bottom characteristics of waterways, ports and shallow coastal environments.
The PhD student will use a combination of approaches in their research: geo-acoustic simulations, laboratory testing, and field experimental trials. The field experiments will involve the testing of the sonar array and single processing in different types of shallow water environments, as well as repeat visits to lowland and/or transitional waterways to detect changes in bathymetry and sediment characteristics. The sonar fieldwork will be boat-based and will be complimented with sediment sampling (e.g. cores/grabs) and current profiling (ADCP) measurements. The discipline-specific knowledge and experience in acoustics, along with the rigorous research training of PhD programme, will prepare the student well for a future career in industry or academia.
The student will be based at Cranfield University in the School of Water, Energy and Environment and will interact with researchers at Cranfield Defense and Security at the Defense Academy of the United Kingdom, Shrivenham. The student will also spend several months in France working with the sonar manufacturers, ITER Systems.
Applications for this studentship are ongoing but ideally we are looking for the candidate to start as soon as possible before September 2017.
Entry requirements:
Applicants should have a first or second class UK honours degree or equivalent in a related discipline, such as engineering, physical oceanography, earth sciences, computer science, or mathematics. The ideal candidate would be self-motivated, and have knowledge and practical experience in acoustics, good communication skills in English, an interest for industrial research, and an enthusiasm for getting out of the lab to test the equipment in rivers, lakes and ports.
How to apply:
For further information, please contact: Dr Robert Grabowski, E: [Email Address Removed], T: (0)1234 758360.
If you are eligible to apply for this research studentship, please complete the online application form
For further information contact us today:
School of Water, Energy and Environment
T: 44 (0)1234 758008
E: [Email Address Removed]
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