A PhD studentship is available at the Institute of Sound and Vibration Research, a leading international centre for research in acoustics and vibration, to conduct research on seat dynamic pressure distribution and driver discomfort.
The project will study pressure distributions (static and dynamic) at seat interfaces in relation to ride comfort and develop a procedure for predicting seat dynamic comfort. It involves using objective methods to measure pressure distributions at body-seat interfaces and relate these distributions to currently used biodynamic and seat dynamic measures. The project will use subjective methods to measure ride comfort in cars and laboratory simulations and relate comfort to pressure distributions. The successful candidate will work within the Human Factors Research Unit (HFRU), which has highly motivated, first class research students researching in the area of human responses to vibration. Details of research in the HFRU at: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/HFRU.
This project is sponsored by Jaguar and Land Rover Cars Ltd. The studentship covers University tuition fees (at EU/UK level) and provides a tax-free bursary of £14,021 per year, rising annually in line with the UK Government (EPSRC) recommended rates. Overseas applicants will be required to provide any differences in fees from other sources.
This multi-disciplinary studentship is available to candidates with the equivalent of a first class or upper-second class degree in a related discipline, having an interest in vehicle seat dynamics and comfort. The research requires good communication skills and an ability to work within a team and collaborate across a range of disciplines.
If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Dr Yi Qiu, ISVR: Human Factors research group, Email: Y.Qiu@soton.ac.uk, Tel: +44 (0) 2380 599594.
How to apply: Please send a full CV together with a personal statement (~300 words, stating why you particularly want to do a PhD, why you think you are suited to a research degree and what particularly attracts you to this project) to: Professor Michael Griffin, Institute of Sound and Vibration Research, Building 19, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK. Tel: +44 (0)23 8059 2277, Email: M.J.Griffin@soton.ac.uk