PhD Studentship: Data Centric Modelling of Adhesive Wear

PhD Supervisor: Robert Wood

Supervisory Team: Robert Wood, Jo Grundy and Dave Stewart (RRSL)

Project description

The occurrence of adhesive wear between sliding surfaces can cause high friction, vibration, material transfer between surfaces and even seizure of components. This wear process is known as galling and is the least well understood wear mechanism induced by tribocontacts. Various palliatives are often used to minimise wear and prevent wear or seizure in sliding contacts. Systematic studies have been undertaken with different alloy systems, but the stochastic nature of galling has often left researchers unable to pinpoint to the drivers for galling or explain why certain systems work and others not.   This project aims to look at adhesive wear resistance of metal surfacing using a data centric approach. The data from three sources: open literature, RR testing and Soton testing will be used. The model will deploy the latest machine learning algorithms that can be constrained by known physics and are capable of predicting a stochastic process. It will use test conditions, surface roughness and surface composition to build a predictive data driven model for alloy selection and operation.

This project will be sponsored by Rolls-Royce Submarines, Derby and the student will receive invitations to their annual sponsored student conference.   The student would have support to attend two international conferences and would gain skills in surface engineering, advanced experimental techniques, machine learning/AI, modelling and research-industry interactions.

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Robert Wood, nCATS Research Group, Email: r.wood@soton.ac.uk, Tel: +44 (0) 2380 594881.

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 March 2024 for standard admissions, but later applications may be considered depending on the funds remaining in place.

Funding:

Funding for tuition fees and a living stipend are available on a competitive basis. Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis, so apply early for the best opportunity to be considered.

How To Apply

Apply online: Search for a Postgraduate Programme of Study (soton.ac.uk). Select programme type (Research), 2024/25, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, next page select “PhD Engineering & Environment (Full time)”. In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor Robert Wood

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

The School of Engineering is committed to promoting equality, diversity inclusivity as demonstrated by our Athena SWAN award. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking flexible working patterns and those who have taken a career break. The University has a generous maternity policy, onsite childcare facilities, and offers a range of benefits to help ensure employees’ well-being and work-life balance. The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.

Advert information