Sh. 24.1 PhD in Acoustics of Composite Fibres with Don & Low Ltd

• Project type: Industry-driven
• Supervisors: Kirill Horoshenkov and Anton Krynkin, University of Sheffield
• Project Partner: Don & Low Ltd

This is an exciting opportunity to carry out a world-class programme of research supported by a leading manufacturer of technical textiles products for applications in construction, geotextiles medical, Filtration and automotive markets. This research will be focused on the development of innovative new products with unique acoustics properties that can widen considerably the range of sectors and applications where these products can be applied. The student will be provided with a substantial financial support to travel extensively in the UK and overseas to visit potential partners, production sites and to present the results of their work at high-profile international events. The student will also receive extensive training in acoustics, machine learning, material science, communication skills, related legislation, outreach and communication skills. Furthermore, the student will gain valuable product development experience in one of Europe’s leading technical textiles manufacturers.

Specifically, the work will involve theoretical and numerical modelling, laboratory manufacturing, experiments and production trials of nonwoven textile laminates with the intent to obtained materials with optimised acoustic absorption and transmission making these materials highly attractive for a wide range of noise control applications. A key research challenge is to develop a good understanding of the relation between the textile production process, material microstructure and resultant acoustical and other useful material properties, e.g. filtration efficiency, fluid permeability and long-term stability. The development of advanced models for these materials would allow a parametric approach to perfect the material microstructure, inform and to modify if required the material manufacturing process to achieve the design performance. The developed models will also allow the industry partner to speed up the material development process in terms of its reproducibility, performance and cost.

The research would suit graduates in material science, chemistry, physics or related area of engineering. Experience in manufacturing and design will be useful. You will be based in the School of Mechanical, Aerospace and civil Engineering at the University of Sheffield.

Please see details on how to apply: Apply – EPSRC CDT Sound Futures