PhD Studentship: Modelling of arcs in plasma switches

PhD Studentship: Modelling of arcs in plasma switches

EEE

Location:  Highfield Campus
Closing Date:   Wednesday 01 June 2016
Reference:  683016FP

Applications are invited for an EPSRC Industrial CASE PhD studentship in collaboration with AWE. The studentships will be based in the Electronics and Electrical Engineering (EEE) Research Group within Electronics and Computer Science (ECS).  EEE is a multidisciplinary unit within ECS whose research activities include a wide range of topics spanning engineering, physics and materials science.  The project is related to physics of electric discharges and plasma phenomena. As such, applications would be welcome from candidates holding good degrees (1st class or 2:1 honours) in physics, materials science, engineering or applied mathematics. The project is combination of both theoretical (modelling) work and experimental research. Strong theoretical and numerical analysis skills are required. Previous experience in finite differences and finite element analyses of diffusion-convection problems would be an advantage.

About the project:

This study targets an overall model of the electric arcing in vacuum switching devices. The ultimate goal of the research programme will be to use the model developed to aid in the improvement of switch performance by increasing our understanding of the fundamental mechanisms and how these determine the performance, long-term characteristics and ageing of the devices.

Funding Notes:

Due to funding criteria, the studentship is open to students with a settled status in the UK that have been ordinarily resident in the UK for 3 years prior to the start of the project. For more information on eligibility please refer to (www.epsrc.ac.uk/skills/students/help/eligibility/). The award is based upon the standard Research Council stipend rate of £ 14,000 per annum plus UK tuition fees. In addition to the usual benefits associated with an EPSRC PhD studentships, these particular position also includes:

• An annual stipend enhanced by £3,000 per annum above the EPSRC norm.

• A generous annual allowance to cover attendance at international conferences.

• Funded industrial placement.

How to apply: To apply for this studentship please submit an application for a PhD in Electronics and Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Physical Sciences and Engineering – see http://www.ecs.soton.ac.uk/phd/how-to-apply

 For further detailsplease contact Dr Igor Golosnoy (i.golosnoy@soton.ac.uk) or Prof Stephen Gabriel (sbg2@soton.ac.uk).