EPSRC fully funded Studentship in Engineering/ Physics/ Mathematics

The Civil and Computational Engineering Centre

Swansea University

Project : 

Development of Coupled Electro-Mechanical Simulation Techniques for MRI Scanners

Key Information :

Applications are invited to the Civil and Computational Research Centre, Swansea University, for a PhD in the field of Computational Multiphysics. This project is in collaboration with Siemens Magnet Technology (SMT) and will be funded by an EPSRC case award with an enhanced stipend.

The aim of this PhD is to develop efficient computational analysis tools for the prediction of heat-loads and mechanical vibrations arising from the electromechanical coupling that results during the operation of MRI scanners. The problem is challenging since it involves the coupling of different physics and yet rewarding since its successful completion will lead to the embedding of the developed methodology into the routine magnet design process at Siemens Magnet Technology (SMT).

Analytical approaches struggle to go beyond axi-symmetric models, and these fail to capture adequately the complexity of real-world geometries. A numerical approach is necessary and, while "off-the-shelf" packages are capable of treating the electromagnetic and mechanical fields separately, an efficient coupled analysis procedure suitable for this application has yet to be developed. This is the final goal of this project: to develop the analysis methodologies that will enable the efficient computation of heat loads and mechanical vibrations within an MRI scanner environment and thus, in this respect, inform the design of future generations of MRI scanners.

The Civil and Computational Engineering Centre has an international reputation for excellence in the development and use of Computational Mechanics and Scientific Computing, which cover a broad and ever-increasing spectrum of applications. The successful candidate will work in the research group of Dr. Paul D. Ledger and Dr. Antonio J. Gil.

Eligibility :

Applicants should hold an undergraduate honours degree and hold or be completing a master degree. Both qualifications should be equivalent to a 1st (70% and above) or a 2.1 (60% -70%).

Degrees in all areas of Engineering, Physics, Mathematics and other related subjects will be considered

Candidates Profile :

• Should have an enthusiastic attitude to conducting research.
• Should have a strong interest in engineering, physics and maths with particular emphasis in computational mechanics.
• Demonstrate knowledge of some programming languages such as Matlab and/or Fortran.
• Attend international conferences and present the research undertaken.
• Contribute to the writing of articles in international journals.

UK students :

UK students are eligible for a full award (stipend and fees).

EU students :

EU students who have been ‘ordinarily resident’ in the UK for 3 years prior to the start of the grant are eligible for a full award (stipend and fees). This means they must have been normally residing in the UK (apart from temporary or occasional absences).

EU students who are ordinarily resident in a member state of the EU are generally eligible for a fees-only award.

Further information about eligibility requirements can be found on the EPSRC website: http://www.epsrc.ac.uk/skills/students/help/Pages/eligibility.aspx

Funding informationValue:

The full studentship covers tuition fees and a stipend of up to £18,000 p.a.Funding applies to:EU applicants (including UK)

Contacts and how to applyAdministrative contact and how to apply :

Candidates should send a summary of their academic background and CV to the supervisors : 

Dr P.D. Ledger p.d.ledger@swansea.ac.uk and 

Dr A..J. Gil a.j.gil@swansea.ac.uk.

We are looking to fill this position as soon as possible.