Blast noise prediction and management: developing methods for explosive noise impact prediction and management

The studentship is with University of Salford and Spadeadam Testing & Research Centre (STaR), part of the DNV GL Group

Academic Supervisor: Professor David Waddington
Academic Co-Supervisor: Dr Sabine von Hunerbein
Industrial Supervisor: Paul Cronin

The studentship is fully funded and includes:

• A fee waiver
• An enhanced stipend of £16444 p.a. for three and a half years, plus paid accommodation at Spadeadam for years 2 and 3
• All bench fees and consumable costs
• Funds specifically allocated for conference travel

Final date for applications: 30th June 2019
Interviews will be held on: July/Aug 2019
The candidate must register by 1st September 2019

Description
We are looking for a PhD candidate to work on developing methods for explosive noise impact prediction and management. The successful candidate will be expected to undertake experimental trials, model long-range noise propagation, and develop procedures to manage adverse human impact in the near and far field. The candidate will spend 1 year at the University of Salford followed by 2 years at STaR.

Background
Part of the DNV GL Group, the Spadeadam Testing and Research Centre (STaR) conducts a wide variety of fire, explosion and blast testing for the maritime, oil & gas, power and renewables industries. DNV GL’s strategic aim is to make its STaR a world-leading test facility, and to achieve this it is necessary to ensure that the business is not put at risk from adverse reactions to noise in the surrounding areas. Improved noise prediction should allow:

• Improved scheduling of trials, reducing costs from potential delays.
• Larger explosion trials to be conducted without generating noise disruption.
• Extension of the season, increasing the number of trial slots.

The STaR test facility in the North of England is an area of complex meteorology and topography for which existing models are unreliable. This means that the system to make blast noise predictions for the STaR site will need to be the first of its kind in the world.

STaR is likewise interested in researching new ways to reduce risk to hearing from short duration, high-level explosive noise to allow them to best protect their employees, visitors and clients. This will allow STaR to confidently maximise the number of test opportunities while minimising noise risks to hearing.

Candidates
We are looking for high quality candidates with an expertise in the following areas;
• Cognate acoustics, mathematical, physics, engineering, meteorology or computer sciences background
• Good computer programming skills
• Experience of experimental measurement, preferable environmental noise
• Highly numerate with experience of data analysis
• Ability to work independently and within teams
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

For full details of student requirements and specification: http://www.salford.ac.uk/ktp/industrial-case-studentships/vacancies

Informal enquiries to Professor David Waddington: [Email Address Removed]

CV and supporting statement to [Email Address Removed]