PhD Studentship: The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) PGR Scholarship

The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) and the University of Nottingham are offering a co-funded PhD, giving scholars in engineering subjects the opportunity to study alongside world-leading academics.

The MTC is an independent Research and Technology Organisation (RTO) aimed at de-risking and accelerating the adoption of disruptive technologies within the UK manufacturing sphere. Supported by the UK government, the MTC works closely with industrial partners and other research organisations to deliver world leading innovation across all levels of the UK’s industrial landscape, from SMEs and start-ups to OEMs and large-scale global manufacturers.

These studentships are aligned with MTC’s key technology roadmaps and capability development activities, providing students with an opportunity to contribute directly to the advancement of strategic technologies. Each student will benefit from support by a senior MTC engineer who will work closely with the academic supervisor to maximise the value of MTC’s involvement with the PhD project. 

There will be opportunities to work in MTC’s formidable facilities, and to enhance the research through access to its advanced manufacturing workshop capabilities and holistic network of experienced research engineers. This will allow students to experience MTC’s progressive and dynamic working culture in an inclusive, caring, and open environment.

Projects available:

• Additive Manufacturing (AM) for Power Electronics and Drive Systems
• This project will identify opportunities for AM in the remit of Power Electronics and Drives, design and optimise possible topologies of Power Electronics and Drives using AM, process identification and development, demonstration and trials of samples
• Next Generation Electric Motor Based on Carbon Nanotube (CNT) Yarn Winding Technology
• This project will characterize the material capabilities of commercially available CNT wires, develop improved design solution of the proposed electric motor topolog and include designing and testing of prototypes for benchmark and validation of optimised machine models. 
• Assessment of Cold Spray as a Deployable, High Throughput AM Process for Specialty Materials

This project will identify cold spray developments for specialty materials, it will include process optimization, process development, modeling and materials characterisation

• Laser Cutting and Drilling of Composites and Ceramics
• This project will focus on understating the laser-material interaction and subsequent material removal in more details. This will help to understand the cutting process and subsequently develop a solution to address the thermal defects/issues.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) Governance for Real-Time Smart Manufacturing 
• This project will explore developing an AI governance framework for real-time smart manufacturing applications, which will leverage Machine Learning in production (MLOps), Security for AI, and Trustworthy AI.

Value of Award

A fully funded studentship, which includes tax-free stipend of up to £27,190 per year, made possible by MTC’s investment in the PhD programme, is available for home fee eligible students for an October 2023 start

Entry requirements

• 2:1 undergraduate degree in a relevant subject (Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Electronic, Electrical and Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgy and Materials Engineering) or, 
• An MSc/MRes in a relevant subject

How to Apply

Applicants must choose a project from the list above and send their project choice along with their CV and a statement of research interests.

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