PhD Studentship: Enhancing the Reliability and Performance of Electric Vehicles Through Advanced Additively Manufactured Shock and Damage Absorbers

We are excited to announce that the Associate Dean of Research within the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment at Birmingham City University is extending an invitation for a prestigious PhD scholarship, scheduled to commence in February 2025.

How to Apply  

To apply, please follow the below steps:

• Complete the BCU Online Application Form
• Complete the Doctoral Studentship Proposal Form in full, ensuring that you quote the project ID. You will be required to upload your proposal in place of a personal statement on the BCU online application form.
• Upload two references to your online application form (at least one of which must be an academic reference).
• Upload your qualification(s) for entry onto the research degree programme. This will be Bachelor/Master’s certificate(s) and transcript(s).
• International applicants must also provide a valid English language qualification. Please see the list of English language qualifications accepted here. Please check the individual research degree course page for the required scores. 

Please note: We will not be able to consider any applications for this funded project that do not include the correct project reference in their project proposal form.

Project Title: Enhancing the reliability and performance of electric vehicles through advanced additively manufactured shock and damage absorbers 

Project Lead:  Professor Javaid Butt 

Project Reference: CEBE-42082401

Project Description: 

Electric Vehicles (EVs) are gaining widespread adoption due to environmental concerns, technological advancements, and government incentives. The global market for EVs is growing rapidly, with significant revenue and sales expected in the coming years. This growth presents a valuable opportunity for manufacturers to improve the safety and efficiency of EVs. 

While EVs are generally as safe as traditional vehicles, they face specific reliability challenges. One of the main issues is that the complex electronic systems in EVs can be affected by vibrations and shocks, potentially leading to performance problems over time. To address this, various strategies have been proposed, such as using specialized materials and components to dampen vibrations. However, many of these solutions come with drawbacks, such as increased weight or reduced stiffness; thus, leading to a different set of issues to be resolved.  

Therefore, this project aims to create and test advanced shock and damage absorbers for EV batteries and electronics using additive manufacturing (aka 3D printing). These absorbers will be designed to reduce vibrations and protect sensitive components, helping to ensure that EVs remain reliable and safe over their lifespan. The solution developed in this project could be applied to a wide range of EVs, from cars and trucks to electric scooters; thereby, enhancing the durability and safety of these vehicles. 

Anticipated Findings and Contribution to Knowledge:

The anticipated research findings from this project will yield significant advancements in the design and application of shock and damage absorbers for Electric Vehicles (EVs). The research will focus on developing additively manufactured absorptive structures that effectively mitigate vibrations and shocks within the battery compartments of EVs. These findings will provide a robust solution to the current reliability challenges faced by EV electronics and batteries, which are susceptible to performance degradation due to mechanical vibrations over time. 

By conducting a thorough numerical analysis and rigorous testing of these absorbers, the research will contribute new knowledge on the integration of advanced materials and innovative design techniques to enhance the durability and safety of EV components. The absorptive structures developed are expected to outperform existing passive damping methods, which often suffer from increased mass or reduced stiffness, by offering a lightweight and efficient alternative. 

This research will not only advance the field of additive manufacturing in automotive applications but also set new standards for EV safety and reliability. The findings will have broad applicability, potentially influencing the design and manufacturing of various EV types, including passenger cars, trucks, and electric scooters. The goal is to provide a robust solution to enhance the longevity and safety of EV electronics and batteries, contributing to the continued growth and success of the global electric vehicle market.  

Person Specification: 

The ideal candidate for this project should possess a strong background in mechanical or automotive engineering, with expertise in electric vehicle (EV) systems, materials science, and additive manufacturing. Proficiency in numerical analysis and simulation software is essential, along with experience in designing and testing vibration mitigation systems. The candidate should demonstrate a solid understanding of the reliability challenges in EV electronics and have a track record of innovative problem-solving. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively on multidisciplinary projects are also required to ensure the successful development and validation of advanced shock absorbers for EVs. 

International applicants must also provide a valid English language qualification, such as International English Language Test System (IELTS) or equivalent with an overall score of 6.5 with no band below 6.0.  

For further information on this project, please contact: javaid.butt@bcu.ac.uk  

Funding Details

This funding model includes a 36 month fully funded PhD Studentship, set in-line with UKRI Research Council values. For 2024/5, this will be £19,237 per year. The tax-free stipend will be paid monthly. This PhD Studentship also includes a Full-Time Fee Scholarship for up to 3 years. The funding is subject to your continued registration on the research degree, making satisfactory progression within your PhD, as well as attendance on and successful completion of the Postgraduate Certificate in Research Practice. 

All applicants will receive the same stipend irrespective of fee status.

Application Closing Date: Midday (UK Time) on Monday 30^th September 2024 for a start date of the 3^rd February 2025.

Location of Job

Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Built Environment, City Centre Campus, Curzon Street, B4 7XG