Development of a window system with optimised ventilation and noise-reduction performance: An approach using metamaterials

A full time PhD Studentship is now available in the Acoustics Research Group at the University of Sheffield, School of Architecture, starting in September 2017. The studentship offers a 4-year funded PhD scholarship open to all UK and EU applicants.

Based at the University of Sheffield, the research will seek to address the challenges around issues of high noise levels while maintaining natural ventilation in window designs. Noise is one of the important factors determining quality of life in urban areas. This project is committed to investigating and developing advanced technological solutions, enabled with metamaterials, to improve aural and thermal comfort in the living environment.

The objectives of the project are to:
1. Study mechanisms of acoustic metamaterial or metasurface designs with application to window systems
2. Develop numerical approaches to evaluate the window performance
3. Prototype acoustic metamaterial or metasurface window for experimental study
4. Optimise the window design

The overall aim of this collaborative research is to develop new window systems that will reduce noise transmission whilst allowing natural ventilation at same time. The successful completion of this project can greatly enhance urban living environments. Besides residential developments, the noise mitigation technologies developed in this project can also be adopted for other commercial and industrial buildings.

The prestigious A*STAR-Sheffield scheme gives PhD students at the University of Sheffield the unique opportunity to carry out part of their studies in Singapore as part of a partnership agreement with the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). PhD students on the Programme receive half their training (2 years) in Singapore. Their PhD research is carried out in English at an A*STAR Research Institute

Supervision on this project will be provided by Acoustics Group Leader, Professor Jian Kang. The project will run in partnership with the Institute of High Performance Computing (IHPC) in Singapore with co-supervision from Dr Fangsen Cui (Senior Scientist, Engineering Mechanics Department) at IHPC

Candidate Requirements
A good degree (first degree or masters), in a relevant subject such as acoustics, engineering, physics or computing. Research experience would be an advantage.

Applying
Contact Professor Jian Kang, sending a CV with a cover letter detailing your interests and suitability for the role.