Generation of acoustic sound in water by pulsed high power electrical discharges - Ref: WS33

The project is related to generating a powerful pulsed acoustic sound in water, based on an electrical spark breakdown produced between a pair of immersed metallic electrodes by applying a voltage impulse to develop an electric field higher than the critical breakdown field of water. To synthesise specific sounds, such as the sounds produced by marine animals, shipping noise, and other sources of anthropogenic ocean noise, the doctoral studies will require the acoustic sound to be generated at a very high repetition rate and using the so-called supersonic method. The mechanism for the transfer of energy from the electromagnetic impulse into a supersonic sound wave is not known and will be investigated. Detailed experiments, using various diagnostic methods, will be required for deciphering the supersonic phenomena, followed by a complex modelling effort. These two activities will form the substantial part of the work to be performed to investigate both the fundamental principles of generating acoustic sounds and the development of the specific equipment required in applications.

Find out more:
Literature on underwater discharges can be found in the IEEE Xplore website: https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/Xplore/home.jsp

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%.

In choosing Loughborough for your research, you’ll work alongside academics who are leaders in their field. You will benefit from comprehensive support and guidance from our Doctoral College, 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, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in Electrical Engineering, in Physics or a related subject.

Contact details

Name: Prof Bucur Novac
Email address: [Email Address Removed]
Telephone number: 01509-227048

How to apply

All applications should be made online at http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/apply/research/. Under programme name, select Electronic & Electrical Engineering

Please quote reference number: WS33