PhD Position in Mechanical Engineering

The PhD stipend is available within the general study programme “Mechanical Engineering”. The study will be conducted in close cooperation with researchers at the Department of Health Science and Technology.

The stipend is affiliated with the research project AnyBody Inside, co-financed between the Danish National Advanced Technology Foundation, AnyBody Technology A/S and Aalborg University. The purpose of the project is to investigate and develop reliable methods for prediction of natural postures and movements by means of musculoskeletal models of the human body. The project is therefore inter-disciplinary in nature comprising elements from mechanics, numerical mathematics, software development and physiology.

The hypothesis of the project is the idea that voluntary postures and movement strategies in humans are guided by a desire to optimize performance according to some criteria. It is the purpose of the project to identify these criteria, cast them into a mathematical form and implement them in musculoskeletal models using the AnyBody Modeling System.

The study programme will likely contain the following items:

    * Literature review of state-of-the- art in the field.
    * Biomechanical analysis of the problem resulting in candidate criterion functions and constraints.
    * Innovation of models and examples suitable to investigate different formulations of the optimization problem.
    * Experiments and simulation.
    * Conclusions and final implementation of the methods.

Key topics: Musculoskeletal simulation, posture and movement prediction, optimization.

Applicants for the PhD position should hold a Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering, mathematics, numerical methods, software engineering (or a related field) and should have an interest in physiology and biomechanics. A good command of oral and written English is also required.

Qualification requirements:
PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who hold a Masters degree. PhD stipends are normally for a period of 3 years. It is a prerequisite for allocation of the stipend that the candidate will be enrolled as a PhD student at the Doctoral School of the Faculties of Engineering, Science and Medicine, in accordance with the regulations of Ministerial Order No. 18 of January 14, 2008 on the PhD Programme at the Universities. According to the Ministerial Order, the progress of the PhD student shall be assessed every six months. It is a prerequisite for continuation of salary payment that the previous progress is approved at the time of the evaluation.

The qualifications of the applicant will be assessed by an assessment committee. On the basis of the recommendation of the assessment committee, the Dean of the Faculties of Engineering, Science and Medicine will make a decision for allocating the stipend.

Appointment and salary acc. to the Ministry of Finance Circular of January 11, 2006 on the Collective Agreement for Academics in Denmark, Appendix 5, regarding PhD fellows, and with the Ministry of Finance Circular of June 13, 2007 on the employment structure at Danish Universities.

For further information about stipends and salary contact Ms. Tine Lützhøft, The Faculties of Engineering, Science and Medicine, email:tl@adm.aau.dk, phone: +45 9940 7380.

The PhD application form can be downloaded from the following address:

    http://www.phd. ins.aau.dk/ get-a-phd/ 3591832

The faculty has a research school, The Doctoral School of Engineering, Science and Medicine: http://www.phd. ins.aau.dk and a Network for all PhD students: http://pau.aau. dk

You may obtain further information from Professor John Rasmussen, phone: +45 9940 9307, email: jr@me.aau.dk concerning the technical aspects of the stipend.

Application marked with the PhD stipend No. 562/06-15-29129, should include in four copies: the PhD application form, the Masters diploma including grades, publications, Curriculum Vitae and any other material, as well as a list of submitted material. Due to legal constraints electronic applications will not be accepted. The application must arrive at Aalborg University with the morning post by the 30 June 2009.

Application is to be forwarded to :

Aalborg Universitet
De Ingeniør-, Natur- og Sundhedsvidenskabel ige Fakulteter
Niels Jernes Vej 10
DK-9220 Aalborg Øst

PhD Studentship in Chemical Engineering on “Flow of pulp fibre suspensions

Reference number 2009/59
Application deadline 2009-05-15

The project aims at developing a deeper understanding of the flow behaviour of pulp fibre suspensions at concentrations above 3% by weight. At these concentrations, of outmost importance in pulp processing, the suspension shows a complex rheological behaviour. A better understanding of the system could lead to a better utilization of the turbulent energy with reduced energy costs, and /or equipment dimensions, and less fibre damage. Thus, an understanding of the flow behaviour of fibre suspensions is of great interest for the design, scale-up and operation of pulp processing equipment. In particular flow and dewatering effects in the near wall region will be studied in detail, theoretically using mathematical modelling (CFD) and experimentally using PIV, LDA and UVP.

Job description

The project is a joint venture between Metso Paper in Sundsvall, Södra Cell in Värö and Chemical Engineering at Chalmers and is funded by the Swedish National Energy Administration.

The position is limited to maximum five years and corresponds to full-time research studies during four years. In addition, teaching in the undergraduate or masters curriculi at Chalmers could be included corresponding to one year, teaching work distributed over the whole time of the position.

Qualifications

A suitable background is Master of Science in Chemical engineering, Chemical Engineering with Physics, Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Physics; specifically with interest in applied mathematics and transport phenomena.

Application procedure

The application shall be written in English and include the following items:

   1. An application of a maximum of one A4 page containing your specific qualifications for the position
   2. Attested copies of education certificates, including grade reports and other documents
   3. Curriculum Vitae
   4. Letters of recommendation and name of reference persons (optional)

The application shall be sent electronically as pdf or zipped documents. Please use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.

If any material is not available electronically or cannot be transferred to pdf format, the material can be sent as a hard copy to Registrar. The applicants name and the reference number (2009/59) must be written on the first page of the application.

Address:
Registrar
Chalmers University of Technology
SE-412 96 Göteborg
Sweden

Further information

For further information, please contact:

Professor Anders Rasmuson,
Chemical Engineering, Chalmers,
+46 31 772 2940, rasmuson@chalmers. se

or

TeknD Tomas Wikström,
Metso Paper, Sundsvall, +46 60 165690, tomas.wikstrom@ metso.com

Union representatives

    * SACO: Jan Lindér
    * ST: Marie Wenander
    * SEKO: Ralf Berndtsson

All reachable via Chalmers exchange: +46 31 772 10 00

Apply for this position

PhD Studentships in Solid Fuel Cell Design

PhD Studentships
Design of a 250kW Solid Oxide Fuel Cell
Faculty of Engineering and Computing, Centre for Applied Energy Research

Start date: 28th September 2009

Applications are invited for a Faculty funded full-time PhD studentship to work in the area of ‘Design of a 250kW Solid Oxide Fuel Cell’.

A funded PhD studentship is available to work on this project. This is based at Coventry University in the Faculty of Engineering and Computing.

The proposed major tasks of the project are:

* a desk-based investigation of existing best practice focusing on the most cost-effective SOFC system designs,
* Parametric study of SOFC design enabling design optimisation incorporating numerical analysis and optimisation of the fuel cell design.
* Production of a complete set of General Arrangement Drawings of a 250kW SOFC based on new ideas and existing concepts

Brief description:
Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC) are being developed predominantly for the provision of auxiliary power supplies requiring higher power outputs. SOFC fuel cells are particularly suited to this task because of their high efficiencies, fuel flexibility and cost benefits. However, there are a number of disadvantages of SOFC including high operating temperatures and subsequent long start up times. The primary focus of this project will be to design and evaluate a numerical proof of concept for a 250kW SOFC. The numerical model will be utilised to optimise the operation of the fuel cell and to enable a parametric study to be conducted enabling operation optimisation

Expertise and Experience required:
The ideal candidate will have a Masters degree or equivalent experience in electrical or mechanical engineering, electrochemistry, or other relevant discipline; knowledge of computational modelling techniques would be an advantage but is not essential. Applications are welcome from home and overseas candidates.

The successful applicants will receive £12,504 maintenance per annum (tax free) and tuition fees, for a period of 4 years. Fees will be paid in full at either UK/EU rate for home and EU citizens or at the overseas rates for Overseas Research Students - whichever is applicable.

Further information is available from william.hall@ coventry. ac.uk

Closing date: 17th April 2009

Interview Date: Interviews will be held in the week commencing 4th May 2009

How to apply
Please submit an application form, (please note that as this is a predefined project a research proposal (section 7 of the application form) is not required), a detailed CV, 2 references and covering letter addressed to Dr William Hall, by email to:

Email: research-apps.pg@coventry.ac.uk

For an application form please visit the link: http://www.coventry .ac.uk/researchn et/studentships/ a/5763

For any queries, please contact:
Admissions team
Tel: 024 7688 8857 / 7667
Email: research-apps.pg@coventry.ac.uk

Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering PhD Research Students

Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering PhD Research Studentships
Risk and Reliability
Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering

link to www.lboro.ac. uk/departments/ tt/

Loughborough University's Department of Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering is delighted to offer financial support to talented prospective PhD students who would like to pursue postgraduate research study.

The school has unique and wide-ranging research capabilities and we are able to offer exciting and challenging research opportunities. The unique research opportunities available are complemented by a supportive learning environment and state of the art facilities, all on our attractive, single-site campus.

Loughborough University's research has a strong industrial and commercial dimension that is at the forefront of many technological advances. Research studentships in the Department of Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering are available in:

Risk and Reliability link to http://www.lboro. ac.uk/department s/tt/research/ risk-reliability .html

There are opportunities to obtain funding through research studentships which offer a tax-free stipend of at least £12,940 p.a. for 3 years, plus tuition fees at the UK/EU rate. For well-qualified overseas graduates studentships will cover the overseas fees. Follow the link below to find out more about the specific funding awards available, eligibility and the application process: www.lboro.ac. uk/eng/phd_ funding

Applicants will need to hold or expect to gain at least a 2:1 degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate engineering or science discipline (with evidence of 1st Class performance in key subject areas.)

Further details of research areas for each group can be found in our Research Guide which can be downloaded from the department's website: http://www.lboro. ac.uk/department s/tt/research. html

Applicants should complete the standard PhD application form available from:-
http://www.lboro. ac.uk/prospectus /pg/apply/ index.html.

Further information can be obtained by emailing: aaeresearch@ lboro.ac. uk

Closing Date for Applications: Friday, 29 May 2009

Dorothy Hodgkin Postgraduate Award

Dorothy Hodgkin Postgraduate Award
Multi-objective design of industrial turbochargers for reduced aeroacoustic noise and increased efficiency
Department of Mechanical Engineering

Value of Award:

Maintenance Stipend for a maximum period of 3 years (£12,940 for Session 2008/09), full overseas rate fees and a Research Training Support Grant

Number Available: One

Closing Date: 30 May 2009

Minimum Academic Requirements: A very good first degree (equivalent to a UK first class honours degree) from a prestigious institution in a relevant discipline such as Engineering, Mathematics or Physics (a lower rated BSc with a Masters will not normally be accepted as the equivalent of a UK first class honours degree). Candidates must also meet the University's English language requirements.

Additional Information: The Dorothy Hodgkin Postgraduate Awards are a national initiative to bring outstanding students from India, Brazil, China, Hong Kong, Russia, South Africa and the developing world to the UK to study for PhD degrees in top-rated research environments. The eligible countries are those listed in Part 1 on the OECD website: http://www.oecd. org/dataoecd/ 35/9/2488552. pdf

This award is provided by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Council (www.epsrc.ac. uk) and Napier Turbochargers Ltd and is available for a research project in the area of:

Multi-objective design of industrial turbochargers for reduced aeroacoustic noise and increased efficiency

Marine engine room noise is becoming the subject of ever-stricter regulation by certification bodies. Diesel engine technology is currently concerned with reducing NOx emissions and increasing fuel efficiency and power density. The consequence of the noise limits on current turbochargers is to limit the allowable pressure ratio of the turbocharger and consequently limit the reduction in NOx and limit the increase in fuel efficiency and power density.

In order to mitigate the noise, filter silencers can be fitted to compressor intakes. But these reduce the turbocharger efficiency. An alternative approach is to design the turbocharger compressors for reduced noise. However, compressor designs that reduce aero-acoustic noise in many cases result in a reduction in compressor efficiency. In this project an aero-acoustic model will be developed and will be used together with a Multi-objective/ multi-point optimization strategy based on 3D inverse design method in order to reduce noise while improving the compressor efficiency. The final design will be manufactured by NapierÂ’s Turbochargers and will be evaluated experimentally at the NapierÂ’s test facility.

For further information regarding the project, please contact Prof. M. Zangeneh (m.zangeneh@ucl. ac.uk).

Applications forms are available at http://www.ucl. ac.uk/prospectiv e-students/ graduate- study/applicatio n-admission/ ). Please also send a copy of your application by email to m.zangeneh@ucl. ac.uk or by post to Prof. M. Zangeneh, UCL Dept. Mechanical Engineering, Torrington Place, London WC1E 7JE, UK.

Further information on the background to the Dorothy Hodgkin Postgraduate Awards Scheme can be found at http://www.rcuk.ac.uk/hodgkin/

UCL Taking Action for Equality

The closing date for applications is Friday, 30th May 2009.

Full Scholarships Available for Graduate Study at MASDAR Institute of Science and Technology

The MASDAR Institute of Science and Technology in Abu Dhabi is pleased to announce full scholarships to highly qualified graduate students from around the world. (6-10 scholarships are available to U.S. students).

The MASDAR Institute is the centerpiece of the MASDAR Initiative, a landmark program by the government of Abu Dhabi to establish an entirely new economic sector dedicated to alternative and sustainable energy. The MASDAR Institute is a private, not-for-profit, independent, research-driven institute developed with the support and cooperation of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). MIT provides assistance in recruitment of faculty members and senior administrative staff and the provision of course curriculum, amongst other matters. The Institute is located inside the world’s first carbon neutral, zero waste Masdar City which will be powered solely by alternative energy, mainly solar energy.

The Institute offers Masters and (in 2011) PhD programs in science and engineering disciplines, with a focus on advanced energy and sustainable technologies. It welcomes and encourages applications from qualified students and provides scholarships to talented students who meet its high admission standards.

Beginning September 2009, the MASDAR Institute will offer five 24-month Master of Science programs (coursework and thesis).
MSc in Engineering Systems and Management
MSc in Information Technology
MSc in Materials Science and Engineering
MSc in Mechanical Engineering
MSc in Water and Environment

For information visit : http://www.scholars hips-links. com/viewdetail/ id/237/Full_ Scholarships_ Available_ for_Graduate_ Study_at_ MASDAR_Institute /