Intelligent fault diagnosis and prognosis solution for rotating machinery PhD Self-funded PhD opportunity

This PhD project will focus on developing, evaluating, and demonstrating an intelligent solution of diagnosis and prognosis for rotating machinery to enhance safety, reliability, maintainability and readiness. A comprehensive test-bed for in-depth studies will be used for experiments for demonstration and evaluation.

Rotating machinery has a fundamental role in many industries. Therefore, there is a need for a Condition-based maintenance (CBM) which holds the promise of predicting machinery maintenance requirements based on process performance measurements. Diagnostics and Prognostics are essential parts of CBM. Therefore, diagnostics and prognostics of rotating machinery can help to reduce machine downtime and cost. Many techniques such as vibration analysis, current signature analysis, acoustic emission analysis, wear and oil analysis, etc. have been used, through condition monitoring of the rotating machinery, to diagnose and prognosis different faults such as bearing, crack shaft, gearbox, belt drive, reciprocating mechanism, mechanical rub, induction motor, pump, compressor, and fan.

The student will have the opportunity to work with experts in the prognostics and condition monitoring field, as well as being part of a strong and dynamic research centre at Cranfield University.

About the Host University/Centre

Cranfield is an exclusively postgraduate university that is a global leader for transformational research and education in technology and management. Research Excellence Framework 2014 (REF) has recognised 81% of Cranfield's research as world leading or internationally excellent in its quality. Cranfield Manufacturing is one of eight major themes at Cranfield University, combining a multi-disciplinary approach that integrates design, technology and management expertise.

The Integrated Vehicle Health Management (IVHM) Centre is a major collaborative venture at Cranfield, started in 2008, with funding from the East of England Development Agency (EEDA); a consortium of core industrial partners (Boeing, BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, Meggitt, Thales, MOD and Alstom); and from EPSRC. The Centre has grown into other sectors (rail, energy, health and agriculture) and is financially self-sustaining.

Entry Requirements

- A minimum of a 2:1 first degree in a relevant discipline/subject area (e.g. aerospace, automotive, mechanical, electrical, chemical, computing, and manufacturing) with a minimum 60% mark in the Project element or equivalent with a minimum 60% overall module average.
- The potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within a three-year period of study.
- A minimum English language proficiency (IELTS overall minimum score of 6.5).

The candidate is also expected to:

- Have excellent analytical, reporting and communication skills.
- Be self-motivated, independent and a team player.
- Have genuine enthusiasm for the subject and technology.
- Be willing to publish research findings in international journals.

Funding

This is a self-funded opportunity.

Doctoral Network and Development

Research students at Cranfield benefit from being part of a dynamic, focused and professional study environment and all become valued members of the Cranfield Doctoral Network. This Network brings together both research students and staff, providing a platform for researchers to share ideas, identify opportunities for collaboration and create smaller communities of practice.

An important part of the research journey is the Doctoral Researchers' Core Development (DRCD) Programme, comprising four 1-week units covering the key stages of the research journey. Workshops are held face to face, providing the opportunity to network and collaborate with peers.