PhD Studentship: Adapting to the Rough Seas using a Tunable Stiffness Soft Robot

Project title: Adapting to the rough seas using a tunable stiffness soft robot  

Supervisory Team: Swathi Krishna and Sergio- Araujo Estrada

Project description

An exciting opportunity to work on a multidisciplinary project in the areas of soft robotics, fluid dynamics, and control is now available at one of the leading departments for fluids research in the UK! A 3.5-year PhD position is now open at the University of Southampton for developing a soft robotic control surface with tunable stiffness properties that can adapt to varying inflow conditions.

The interaction between fluids and flexible structures is ubiquitous, with examples found in both animal locomotion and bio-inspired engineering devices. Flexibility enables adaptation to change in fluid flow by bending, twisting, and countering the oncoming flow. This has significant applications for bio-inspired robots where efficiency, manoeuvrability, and obstacle avoidance are crucial requirements. Additionally, tuning and controlling the flexibility of the control surfaces, particularly in response to gusts, can further enhance the advantages.

The flow around flexible control surfaces, especially in underwater robots, is characterised by nonlinear and unsteady phenomena resulting from high amplitude pitch kinematics and intricate fluid-structure interactions. The broad scope of this study is to develop a soft robotic control surface with tunable stiffness properties that can quickly respond to varying inflow conditions. The robot will be tested in Southampton’s recirculating water tunnel using particle image velocimetry and direct force measurements. Appropriate control techniques will be explored and implemented.

Motivated candidates with knowledge/interest in aerodynamics, design, experimentation, control, and data analysis are encouraged to apply. Any experience with robotics and particle image velocimetry would be beneficial.

This project will enhance your skills in motion control, building rigorous experimental set-ups, coding (image/ signal processing), scientific planning, writing, and presentation (international exposure) amongst others. You will have access to training in general manufacturing skills in our extensive workshops. You will have the opportunity to work with a vibrant cohort of PhDs and postdocs who will be a part of your network.

Come, join our “unsteady” team! 

PS: Funding is primarily available for UK students with at least a high 2:1 degree. Excellent international students will also be considered and nominated for one of the available scholarships.

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Swathi Krishna, AFM Research Group, Email: s.b.krishna@soton.ac.uk, Tel: +44 (0) 2380 59 2320

Entry Requirements

A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent).

Closing date: applications should be received no later than 31 August 2023 for standard admissions, but later applications may be considered depending on the funds remaining in place.

Funding: For UK students, Tuition Fees and a stipend of £17,668 tax-free per annum for up to 3.5 years.

How To Apply

Apply online: Search for a Postgraduate Programme of Study (soton.ac.uk). Select programme type (Research), 2023/24, Faculty of Physical Sciences and Engineering, next page select “PhD Engineering & Environment (Full time)”. In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor Swathi Krishna

Applications should include:

• Research Proposal
• Curriculum Vitae
• Two reference letters
• Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date

For further information please contact: feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk

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