About the project
This project develops new methods for characterising materials using ultrasound. It focuses on modern manufacturing techniques (additive manufacturing) and classical challenging configurations (thick-section welds). The results of the project will provide invaluable information for component inspections, enabling interpretation and realistic remaining life prediction.
The industry highly desires the ability to measure material characteristics on operating components without destroying them. Complex materials underpin critical applications, including nuclear energy generation, subsea transport, and aircraft. These materials are subjected to challenging conditions, such as high pressure and high temperature, which make defect initiation a real possibility.
In this project, you will combine numerical modelling, experiments, and machine learning to develop methods for characterising materials using ultrasound. You will work with realistic samples and defect scenarios, integrating ray tomography, full waveform inversion, and physics-enhanced machine learning.
The project will be enhanced by our links with industrial collaborators and the UK non-destructive testing community (Research Centre for Non-Destructive Evaluation). You will join the Institute of Sound and Vibration Research, a vibrant and diverse research community passionate about sound, ultrasound, vibration, and sensing across all industrial sectors. You will benefit from excellent research facilities and the multidisciplinary environment.
The School of Engineering is committed to promoting equality, diversity inclusivity as demonstrated by our Athena SWAN award. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking flexible working patterns and those who have taken a career break. The University has a generous maternity policy, onsite childcare facilities, and offers a range of benefits to help ensure employees’ well-being and work-life balance. The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.
