PhD: High Performance Electrical Insulation Coatings for Next Generation Additively Manufactured Electrical Machines

The project:

Are you a materials engineer or chemistry graduate looking to apply your background to next generation electrical technologies in pursuit of Carbon Net Zero?

We are seeking a motivated PhD candidate to join The Electrical Machine Works to develop high-performance electrical insulation coatings for metal 3D printed components. You will work in a multi-institution, multi-disciplinary team across material science, process development, design for additive manufacture and experimental testing with opportunity for industrial collaboration and commercialisation.

A multidisciplinary supervisory team will provide training and project supervision. The student will be involved in the following activities (non-exhaustive):

1. Learning relevant underpinning material science, chemistry, and application context
2. Development of mechanical-, chemical- and electro-polishing post-processes to control AM part surface roughness
3. Undertake surface, bulk and material property characterisation via, for example, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Computed Tomography (CT), Optimal profilometry, Grain structure analysis and electrical conductivity measurement
4. In-depth study and development of coating technologies ranging from organics to inorganics
5. Collaboration with industrial and academic partners within The Electrical Machine Works
6. Publication of findings at appropriate international conferences and in journal proceedings
7. Play an active role in the research group community for your own development and development of others.

URL for further information: www.bristol.ac.uk/engineering/research/em/phd-opportunity-1

How to apply:

To apply for this studentship, submit a PhD application using our online application system

Please ensure that in the Funding section you tick “I would like to be considered for a funding award from the Electrical and Electronic Engineering Department” and specify the title of the scholarship in the “other” box below along with the name of the supervisor. Interested candidates should apply as soon as possible.

Candidate requirements: 

Applicants must hold/achieve a minimum of a Master’s degree (or international equivalent) in a science, chemistry or engineering discipline. Applicants without a Master’s qualification may be considered on an exceptional basis, provided they hold a first-class undergraduate degree. Please note, acceptance will also depend on evidence of readiness to pursue a research degree.

If English is not your first language, you need to meet this profile level:
Profile E
Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.

Funding:

Available for UK/EU students (UK settled status) with permanent UK residency covering tuition fees (at the UK student rate) and a tax-free stipend for 3.5 years

Contacts:

For questions about the research topic please contact Dr Nick Simpson (nick.simpson@bristol.ac.uk)

For questions about eligibility and the application process please contact sceem-pgr-admissions@bristol.ac.uk

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