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School of Applied Sciences is recognised globally for its multi-disciplinary approach to research and teaching in relation to manufacturing, materials, and environmental science and technology. Cranfield is third in the UK for the impact of its mechanical, aeronautical and manufacturing research. We received a strong result in the Agriculture Unit of Assessment with 85% gaining international status and 40% of that research being deemed of an internationally excellent standard*. We are one of the UK's top five research intensive universities**. Through our focus on fundamental research and its application to meet the needs of industry and society, Applied Sciences is a major contributor to these positions. We have a successful track record of working closely with organisations around the world. Our success is due to our staff and the quality of the students whose careers we help develop. We operate key facilities which underpin our research, teaching and short courses.
*In relation to the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE). ** Research income as a percentage of turnover.... |
Supervisor:DrBenny Tjahjono
Duration of award: 3 years
Award type:PhD
Supported by EPSRC and Ford,a studentship up to £17,000 p.a. for 3 years plus fees* is available
Cranfield University, in collaboration with Ford, has an exciting research opportunity that aims to develop the next generation factory simulation modelling tools to support Ford’s future machining and assembly lines.
Ford’s Power Train Operations, part of the Manufacturing Engineering division, has been using simulation modelling as an integral part of the decision making process in the design/improvement of machining and engine assembly lines for many years. In response to the growing demand for better and more accurate simulation results from the management, the simulation modelling tools are continually being improved. However with a number of key metrics now requiring consideration a simulation modelling tool that can support Ford’s Manufacturing Engineering to design/redesign their future machining and assembly lines is required.
Existing simulation models have typically been focusing on the output or uptime of the line as the primary key metric. However, there are many other key metrics that have a significant cost associated with them, for instance the power used by the machines, chilling of water, disposal of waste, building heating or cooling requirements, extraction of impurities, removal of waste material, usage of hot and cold water and the use of gas and electricity. Reducing the impact on the environment is one of the top priorities of the Manufacturing Engineering division. This project is seen as a key advantage to the development of simulation in Ford’s Power Train Operations department, as well as a wider contributor to the enhancement of simulation practice generally.
The successful candidate will be based at the Cranfield University campus in Bedfordshire and will also spend some time at Ford Dunton Technical Centre in Basildon and Ford’s plants in the UK when required.
Application deadline: 16 March 2012
Start Date: As soon as possible
Technical Schools Research Students Training Programme
The successful candidate will attend Cranfield University’s ‘Technical Schools Research Students Training Programme’ which is designed to equip students with research skills required during their research studies and in their future careers. This programme consists of a series of one-day events, coupled with smaller interactive group sessions.
Entry Requirements
Applicants should have a First or Second Class UK honours degree, or equivalent, in a relevant discipline such computer science, manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering or mechanical engineering. Experience with operations research is also advantageous.
Funding
*Suppor ted by an EPSRC bursary andFord, this studentship will cover the tuition fees at the UK/EU rate only and provide a bursary of up to £17,000 p.a for three years. To be eligible for this funding applicants must have:
- no restrictions on how long you can stay in the UK, i.e. no visa restrictions or have ‘settled status’, and
- have been ‘ordinarily resident’ in the UK for 3 years prior to the start of the grant and
- not been residing in the UK wholly or mainly for the purpose of full-time education. (This does not apply to UK or EU nationals).
All EU nationals are eligible to receive a fees-only award if they do not have ‘settled status’ in the UK.
All non-EU nationals are very unlikely to be eligible for this funding under the Education (Fees and Awards) Regulations 1997.
For full details about eligibility please visit: http://www.epsrc.ac.uk/PostgraduateTrain i ng/StudentEligibility.htm
How to apply
Please apply online. For further information contact us today:
School of Applied Sciences
T: +44 (0)1234 754086
E: appliedsciences
cranfield.ac.uk
W: www.cranfield.ac.uk/sas/studentships?id=trj
