About the project
This project develops a novel flat optical‑fibre sensor for precise, continuous monitoring of transformer winding vibration. By enabling EMI‑immune, close‑proximity measurements inside high‑voltage environments, the research aims to detect early mechanical degradation and enhance the reliability, safety, and lifetime of critical power‑network infrastructure.
This project tackles a critical challenge in power‑network reliability: the lack of direct, continuous, and localised monitoring of transformer winding vibration. Mechanical degradation in transformer windings, caused by electromagnetic forces during normal operation and fault events, can lead to deformation, loosening, and loss of structural integrity. Existing tank‑mounted accelerometers provide only indirect measurements, heavily distorted by oil and structural attenuation. As a result, early‑stage mechanical faults often go undetected.
This research develops a next‑generation, fully dielectric flat optical‑fibre vibration sensor designed for installation close to transformer windings. The engineered non‑circular fibre geometry, containing large internal microstructured voids, offers enhanced mechanical coupling and exceptional sensitivity to transverse deformation. Its intrinsic immunity to electromagnetic interference makes it uniquely suited for high‑voltage environments where conventional sensors cannot operate.
The project combines multiphysics modelling, fibre‑geometry optimisation, sensor design, and transformer‑relevant vibration testing. You will quantify sensitivity, bandwidth, noise performance, dynamic range, and long‑term stability, and establish how winding vibration translates into optical response. The work includes developing attachment strategies, packaging concepts, and interrogation methods suitable for real transformer deployment.
A standout feature is the strong foundation of prior EPSRC‑funded research and an Impact Acceleration Account award supporting commercial translation of the flat‑fibre technology. You will work within world‑class fibre‑fabrication and structural‑health‑monitoring facilities, with opportunities for collaboration with transformer manufacturers and energy‑sector partners.
This project offers an exciting opportunity to create a transformative sensing technology with real industrial impact, advancing condition‑based maintenance and improving the reliability of critical power‑network infrastructure.
You will receive comprehensive training across optical sensing, fibre technology, and transformer‑relevant structural dynamics. This includes hands‑on experience with advanced fibre‑fabrication facilities, optical interrogation systems, vibration‑testing platforms, and multiphysics modelling tools such as COMSOL and ANSYS. You will develop expertise in experimental design, signal processing, sensor calibration, and mechanical–optical coupling analysis.
Alongside technical skills, you will receive training in research methods, scientific writing, project management, and dissemination through the University’s Doctoral College programme. Opportunities for industry engagement through transformer manufacturers, utilities, and structural‑health‑monitoring partners will support professional development, provide real‑world context, and may enable placements or collaborative testing. You will also gain experience presenting at conferences, contributing to journal publications, and participating in innovation and commercialisation activities linked to ongoing EPSRC‑funded fibre‑technology translation.
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.
