Research studentship in Brake Design for Low Noise Propensity

We are looking for a recent Graduate for a PhD research studentship supervised by Professor Andrew Day and Dr. David Bryant in the Braking Research Centre in the Automotive Research Centre at the University of Bradford. The project is funded by Jaguar Land Rover through a research consortium led by Bradford and including Cranfield and Liverpool Universities that is investigating CAE methods for brake design. It is a 3-year programme of applied research into disc brake squeal which aims to develop enhanced CAE methods to predict noise propensity from brake system design parameters. Noise propensity aspects are being investigated from the initial stage of brake design to determine how theoretical and experimental techniques can be further developed to enable the creation of successful quiet brake designs.

The avoidance of brake noise at the design stage is a major objective for vehicle manufacturers. Brake noise creates dissatisfaction amongst users, and noise pollution in the environment. This exciting and challenging PhD research project focuses on mechanisms and models of frictionally induced vibrations at the brake friction interface, squeal propensity prediction and brake design analysis, and dynamic material properties especially of the friction materials. Dynamic modelling will use MATLAB and ADAMS, and experimental verification will be achieved using a purpose built test rig in the new Braking Research Laboratory at the University. The University of Bradford is recognised as one of the world’s leading Centres of Excellence in Automotive Braking, and our laboratory is the most modern and fully equipped braking research laboratory in any university in the UK. It contains a large range of up to date brake test rigs and equipment, including laser holography and vibration analysis equipment.

The successful applicant will join the research team in the Automotive Research Centre (ARC) at the University of Bradford. He/she must be self-motivated, enquiring of mind and committed to succeed in this advanced research. Experience with CAE analysis methods, data acquisition, instrumentation (in any field), experimental methods and dynamic modelling is an advantage. Some knowledge of the working principles of friction brakes is required as a minimum starting point, and some practical experience of mechanical testing or at least the ability to demonstrate an enthusiasm for the same is essential. 

Applicants for this PhD research studentship should have a recently awarded (last 5 years) First or Second Class BEng or MEng Honours degree in a relevant discipline such as Mechanical Engineering, Mathematics, or Physics. An MSc in a relevant subject area will be an advantage but is not essential.

The Research Studentship will cover the costs of the University UK / EU registration fees and a monthly stipend (depending on qualifications) which will be paid up to a maximum equivalent to an annual sum of £14,000. If you do not qualify for UK / EU fees please enquire before applying. The Research Studentship and the monthly stipend will be allocated in the first instance for a 12-month duration and extended to 3 years subject to good progress being made (as determined by the University’s MPhil/PhD transfer review process) and the continuing availability of funds.

The closing dates for applications is: 31st May 2013

The starting date will be 1 June 2013 or as soon as possible thereafter.

If you are interested in this position, please contact:

Professor Andrew Day via the 'Apply’ button below.

or Dr. David Bryant,

Email: a.j.day@Bradford.ac.uk or d.bryant@bradford.ac.uk

Telephone: 01274 234522 / 235579