4-year iCase PhD studentship: Tyre fingerprinting for rapid and cost-effective tyre model generation

Application details:
Reference number: AAE-GM-1806
Start date: 1st October 2018
Closing date: 30th April 2018
Interview date: To be advised following the closing date.

Supervisors:
Primary supervisor: Dr George Mavros
Secondary supervisor: Dr Dan O’ Boy

Project Detail:
The project will investigate new methods for rapid, accurate and economical tyre model parameter identification.
Mathematical tyre models are used in vehicle simulations for the prediction of tyre forces. Vehicle design for passive safety and the design/calibration of active safety systems, all depend on the ability to simulate tyre behaviour faithfully. All mathematical tyre models include parameters related to their structure, material and operating conditions. These parameters must be identified experimentally in an efficient and cost-effective manner.

The project covers both experimental and numerical aspects of tyre model parameter identification: It will explore the use of static, laboratory-based methods, to allow tyre model parameterisation to be carried out quickly and accurately, using standard equipment. In parallel, existing mathematical tyre models will be further developed to facilitate efficient parameter identification.

The project is funded by an EPSRC iCASE award with support from Jaguar Land Rover (JLR). The successful applicant will work within the vibrant tyre research group in the Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering Department at Loughborough University and benefit from an extensive range of facilities including a vibration lab, a range of experimental vehicles and state-of-the-art tyre testing facilities. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to spend up to 3 months working with tyre experts within JLR and attend international conferences and workshops.

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 to help you succeed in your research and future career.

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

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

Entry requirements:
Applicants should
• Have a first-class honours or good upper second class degree in mechanical engineering or a related discipline (physics/mathematics).
• Demonstrate knowledge or experience applicable to one or more of the following areas: tyre modelling; dynamics; structural modelling; mathematical modelling; modal testing.
• Experience of programming in MATLAB/Simulink or other languages such as Python, C++ 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
Email address: [Email Address Removed]
Telephone number: [+44] (0)1509 227237

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

Please quote reference number: AAE-GM-1806