Rolls-Royce Engineering Doctorate Conference returns to Derby

On 27 November 2015 the Rolls-Royce Engineering Doctorate Network held its annual conference in Derby, building on the success of last year’s inaugural event with record attendance. Delegates from universities and Rolls-Royce plc were brought together, with representatives from across the UK and internationally, to explore how the Engineering Doctorate (EngD) scheme drives the progression of research and technology and why it is vital to the continual success of the company.

Held at the Learning and Career Development Centre in Derby, the conference was attended by 160 current and former EngD researchers, Rolls-Royce employees and university representatives. A comprehensive range of topics were presented, from materials science to systems engineering, demonstrating the far-reaching impact that the EngD scheme has across all aspects of the aerospace and nuclear sectors of the business.

EngD Researcher Jack Palmer presenting on

advanced machining techniques. Photo – Rolls-Royce plc

Work completed under the four-year EngD scheme is of equal academic rigor to more traditional PhD research, however the EngD researchers are typically based within Rolls-Royce for 75% of their time on the scheme to ensure their work is closely aligned to targeted applications within the company. This ensures that the world-leading research of UK universities is translated into novel, but practical solutions - the kind that Rolls-Royce needs to keep its competitive edge.

In the first plenary speech of the day, Prof. Ric Parker, Director of Research and Technology at Rolls-Royce, gave an engaging insight into the importance of the EngD scheme within the current structure of the business. He highlighted the sheer scale of the Rolls-Royce research network, demonstrating how it reaches across the UK and the rest of the world to utilize the best expertise available. This was made evident by the attendance of Rolls-Royce affiliated researchers from the University of Virginia, U.S., and the Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus, Germany.

An EPSRC view

Neil Bowering (EPSRC) speaking at the Conference.
Photo – Rolls-Royce plc

Neil Bowering, the Associate Director of Business and User Engagement from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), discussed the strong current and historical links between EPSRC and Rolls-Royce. He promoted the vision of EPSRC: to invest in the next generation of talented scientists, allowing the UK to maintain and capitalise on its position as a leading research nation.

Neil said “EPSRC was really pleased to be part of the conference and more importantly enjoyed the event and the opportunity to network with some clearly very talented and knowledgeable researchers. The range of topics being investigated was great to see and a testament to the value that Rolls Royce places on supporting and engaging with talented individuals on excellent research.”

Technical presentations

Throughout the morning and afternoon sessions of the conference, EngD researchers at different stages of the 4 year doctorate presented on their technical work, with talks ranging from ‘Investigating the Role of Radiation in Corrosion within Simulated Light Water Reactor Conditions’ to ‘High Sensitivity Eddy-Current Arrays’. The conference also provided an excellent opportunity to learn about advancements in the state-of-the-art research and technology through partnerships with Rolls-Royce in the student poster exhibition and Doctoral Training Centre (DTC) exhibition. In total, 12 DTCs and 11 Universities were represented throughout the day, including Nanyang Technological University and the National University of Singapore, who sponsor students in collaboration with Rolls-Royce on the Industrial Postgraduate Placement (IPP) – an analogous qualification to the EngD.

Rolls-Royce EngD researchers
at the conference. Photo – Rolls-Royce plc

“Building on the success of the event last year was a huge achievement. The conference provides an important and unique opportunity for researchers from industry and academia to promote their work and to communicate in the context of the EngD.” said Richard Phillips, who led the organisation of the conference along with fellow EngD researchers Roy Brown, Jack Palmer and Fiona Schulz.

The conference included an exhibition of the state-of-the-art
research conducted by affiliated research centres.
Photo – Rollo Jarvis.

The conference was hosted by the Rolls-Royce EngD Network which aims to increase the collaboration and awareness of EngD researchers within the company. If you would like to know more information please contact Jack Palmer or other members of the network committee (contact details below).

Attendee Kyle Marshall, an EngD Researcher with the IDC in Machining Science, said: ‘The quality of the student conference gave testament to the unique opportunity the EngD program provides, through the interaction with both industry and academia, to solve real world engineering challenges through post graduate research.’ Kyle Marshall, EngD Researcher with the IDC in Machining Science.

Rolls-Royce EngD Network Committee:

• Richard Phillips - Richard.Phillips@Rolls-Royce.com
• Roy Brown - Roy.Brown@Rolls-Royce.com
• Fiona Schulz - FXS356@student.bham.ac.uk
• Jack Palmer - jack.palmer@amrc.co.uk

Photonic systems for sensing and metrology - summer school 2016

The Centre for Doctoral Training in Applied Photonics Summer School will take place at St Andrews University, Saturday 26 June - Friday 1 July 2016, entitled 'Photonic Systems for Sensing and Metrology’ and is open to external students and early career researchers in academia and industry.

The keynote presentation will be given by Prof. David Miller, Stanford University, followed by an exciting programme of speakers from across Europe with topics ranging from quantum optics to biosensing. Application deadline is 29 February 2016.

Registration fee £750 includes accommodation, meals and teaching materials. Partial fee bursaries are available. For further details, visit http://www.cdtphotonics.hw.ac.uk/summer-school

Machman 2015

The IDC of Machining Science in Sheffield would like to invite you to MachMan 2015 on 21 October, a machining and manufacturing conference for student researchers at all levels.

The event offers an opportunity to showcase student research and develop networks between research centres from across the UK. The conference will be based at the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre with Boeing and will include a tour around the facilities.  

To find out more and book please download the flyer (PDF) or visit the website.

Call for R2i papers

As previously mentioned, the third Research to Industry day, organised by the UK chapter of the International Microelectronics Assembly and Packaging Society (IMAPS UK), and supported by the IEEE, is taking place at the University of Sheffield on 3 September 2015.

The organisers are hoping for some EngD contributions, says Dr Anne Vanhoestenberghe. "You should submit a short (~200 words) abstract outlining your: research project, research portfolio or research facility that you would like to present to the industry in a short high-impact pitch at R2i." 

Abstracts should be emailed to: office@imaps.org.uk. The closing date for submission: 24 July 2015.

This event, previously attracting over 100 delegates, allows an industrial audience to meet and network with researchers active in the field of microelectronics assembly and packaging. This year's event will include keynotes from the different UK funding bodies (Innovate UK and research councils) to explain the different funding options available to the industry, and case studies illustrating the benefits of those schemes to the industrial partner. For more details or to register for the event, click here.

Post-doctorate research fellowships

EngD alumni (and main AEngD contact for alumni), Marek Kubik is now business strategy advisor to Northern Ireland-based AES (who sponsored his EngD). He is keen to invite applications for two post-doctorate Research Fellowship positions with Queens University Belfast and AES Energy Storage. Candidates with engineering backgrounds are invited to join a team deploying the Kilroot Energy Catalyst - the first phase of one of the world’s largest battery storage projects.

The Fellowships are Belfast-based, £31-41k, working with AES and QUB's world leading & internationally excellent ranked School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computing Science. Closing date: 2nd June 2015. For details on the two roles and to apply see:
(1) http://tinyurl.com/kpwjuks
(2) http://tinyurl.com/l2a9upd

Being an EngD research engineer: Matt Bees

(Matt Bees is an EngD researcher with the Institute of Structural Materials (ISM) at Swansea University, and has been based at Rolls-Royce plc in Derby since October 2011, working with the Critical Parts & Lifing (CPL) group on a project entitled “The Effect of Loading Proportionality on Fatigue Life.”)

I am now in the final months of my EngD programme (almost wondering where all the time has gone!), and in my time at Rolls-Royce plc, I have learnt many techniques and skills that have helped me become a better engineer and manage my own project.

My research

I am assessing the multi-axial fatigue and loading response of turbine discs for the current civil Trent engine fleet. My project has involved a lot of literature research (both public and Rolls-Royce domain), computational modelling, finite element (FE) analysis, multi-axial (tension-torsion) testing of small tubular specimens at Swansea University, and documentation for internal reports.

Most of my first year was spent conducting research and carrying out the necessary analysis of turbine discs in order to build a solid foundation for the remainder of my EngD programme. Frequent meetings with my industrial supervisor were key to my development and understanding, especially in the opening months – as my undergraduate degree was motorsport engineering. Socialising with other EngD students and learning from their past experiences was also invaluable.

As I unearthed more facts and issues regarding to multi-axial fatigue, I was fortunate to work with people from the Mechanical Methods team, helping to run some tension-torsion tests on a nickel super-alloy, were I took charge of analysing the data. This yielded some interesting results and my supervisors encouraged me to attend and present at the 10th International Conference on Multi-axial Fatigue & Fracture, in Kyoto in June 2013.

The conference gave me the opportunity
 to visit Kyoto and Tokyo.

Following this conference, my paper was chosen for a special edition of the International Journal of Fatigue published in October 2014. This was a great boost for my thesis, while the conference experience boosted my confidence in delivering technical presentations in Rolls Royce.

In my third and fourth years, my EngD has focussed on computational modelling, laboratory testing and documenting various reports for both academic and industrial purposes. This is when the importance of the project really hit me: my fatigue model research underlined the complexities of multi-axial fatigue and loading, and the resulting impact on fatigue life (explained in the literature but not previously supported by modelling). I am now using current and new methods to change this, whilst being supported by my supervisors and members from the Mechanical Methods group – it’s clearly an important topic for the company!

Mentoring, advising, and inspiring at Rolls Royce

Given my EngD experiences, I felt it was important to share these with other students. I now have monthly mentor meetings with a third year EngD student from Cambridge University, helping him see the 'bigger EngD picture' and make the most of his time and expertise to complete his project. I would recommend more students do likewise for the next intake of students.

Since August 2014, I have been part of the EngD Network team at Rolls-Royce. This provides a platform for communication and collaboration between EngD students across the company's nuclear and aerospace sectors. It also helps raise the profile of the EngD qualification within Rolls-Royce and the wider engineering community, and organises events to allow wider dissemination of EngD research.

We held our first EngD conference in November 2014, with current and past students presenting their work and findings, and showing its relevance to the company’s technology. The conference was a huge success with over 140 attendees, with talks from Henner Wapenhans, head of technology strategy at Rolls-Royce, and Martine Gagne, head of the Rolls-Royce Strategic Research Centre (SRC), and I presented an overview of my EngD programme to date.

EngD tips

With my EngD finish date approaching, I’m glad I took the advice of other EngD students and started my thesis as soon as I could. I might only be half-way through, but starting early is definitely better than waiting until most of the work is finished with a month or so to go! What else would I tell EngD research engineers?

• Start your literature research early so that you learn about your project. It's never too early to start thinking about your thesis, and a good literature chapter provides a solid foundation for your project.
• Spend as much time within your industrial sponsor’s department as possible; you learn more here as you progress through your EngD
• Embed yourself within the university and workplace; research can be lonely so mix in with other students and employees.
• It's important to relax as much as you can, so you can feel refreshed and energetic over your study period.
• Don’t get off on the wrong foot: build a good relationship with your supervisors - you will be working together for a long time
• Attend / present at a relevant conference. It’s a great experience, potentially boosting your thesis and viva presentation.
• Finally: enjoy your research project - you’ll end up being an expert in your field when you are done!

(Matt Bees' research has been funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), Innovate UK (formerly the Technology Strategy Board), Rolls-Royce plc and Swansea University, and he acknowledges the invaluable financial support provided by all parties.)

Advanced manufacturing: could your company sponsor Aminu's EngD?

Aminu Owonikoko has a place on the engineering doctorate (EngD) programme in Advanced Manufacturing at the University of Strathclyde, but is looking for a sponsor interested in addressing manufacturing industry challenges such as excessive variation in product purity and quality, rework and re-manufacturing.  He is particularly keen to explore how an institution such as the University of Strathclyde could transfer its knowledge to developing countries.

Aminu’s sponsor will benefit from him working with the University of Strathclyde's Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC) and the Department of Design, Manufacture and Engineering Management (DMEM) under the supervision of Professor Jonathan Corney.  Aminu also has more than five years of practical experience of applying a range of technologies (such as powder mechanics, tribology/friction properties, biomass handling, post harvest handling/food engineering, technology management) that he thinks have the potential to bring massive benefits to a sponsor looking to grow rapidly.

At the moment, Aminu is a process consultant/consulting engineer at Muniowo Agro Nigeria Ltd (MAN) where he is:

• Reviewing, revising and realigning manufacturing processes
• Turning data into critical actions that focus on process control and capability
• Using data to empower decision makers trying implementing change
• Geometric reasoning (structural behaviour and integrity) of machine design and construction for clients to gain a competitive edge

He was previously a research project engineer at the Wolfson Centre for Bulk Solids Handling Technology at the UK's University of Greenwich. This exposure to bulk solids handling technology has inspired his research interests because of its potential to enhance reliable flow (movement) in manufacturing processes. Aminu became interested in:

• Design based on quantified material property values such has particle size and shape distribution, bulk density, wall friction properties, moisture content evaluation. 
• Design that considers access for retrofit or modification.
• Design that considers the capital and operational costs of plant
• Developing a close understanding between user and manufacturer 
• Minimising reworking/remanufacturing

Aminu’s EngD research project will inevitably adapt to the specific challenges of his eventual sponsor and could pursue the development of profitable novel products, novel materials and novel services. In addition, the research project will also pursue the expansion of in-house professional knowledge, expertise and experience for the partner’s company. Aminu can be reached via email for further information about the terms of the arrangement with the University of Strathclyde including its costs.

Southampton EngD researcher wins sustainability award

Southampton University EngD researcher Oliver Robinson has won the university's 2014 Sustainability Action Award. According to the scheme's blog, Oliver says:

“Being recognised in this way shows how the university appreciates the work done by its students to improve the local community and beyond and that it takes its responsibility as a champion of sustainability seriously. I am proud to have been a part of the expedition and thankful for the acknowledgement given to me by the University.”

Oliver volunteered with the Hampshire Scouts Expeditions (HSX), a local county Scout Group dedicated to the training and development of young scouts.

Having benefited from being a scout himself, Oliver was a leader of a six-week expedition to Nepal, leading 11 scouts to the Everest Region of the Himalayas. This was a unique opportunity for 14-18 year olds to develop as future leaders, honing their navigation, planning and teamwork skills through physical activities such as rock-climbing, mountaineering and abseiling. An integral part of the exhibition was a two-week community project, painting and maintaining the school buildings and classrooms at Khumjung Secondary School (for Sherpa children) with the Himalayan Trust, a charity founded by Sir Edmund Hillary. The scouts also engaging with environmental issues, such as the fading Khumbu glacier and expanding Himalayan glacial lakes, and social matters first hand.

Oliver continues to be part of HSX to develop and inspire future Hampshire Scouts.

YES to engineering entrepreneurship!

Engineering YES (Young Entrepreneurs Scheme) is a simple and direct way for universities to educate researchers all about innovation commercialisation. Fundamentally, it is a team-based training event. YES take a “hot house” approach, exposing participants to a fast-paced, experiential environment. All training is delivered by business and industry specialists (covering areas including Intellectual Property, finance, marketing, routes to market, venture capital, etc).

Each team brings a “future possible” idea for an engineering-related technology or service which could be taken to market. This is normally loosely based on the real research of one of the team members. They apply their learning to this idea as they develop a business plan to bring it to market. Their plan is presented orally to a panel of industry judges on the third day of the event.

YES 2014 involved 125 researchers grouped into 25 researcher teams from 12 different UK Universities, and around 50 speakers, mentors and judges from business and industry (eg: Rolls-Royce, E.ON), patent attorneys, venture capitalists and engineering entrepreneurs.

Applications for the 2015 competition need to be submitted by 13 March, with regional heats taking place during April, May and June, ahead of a grand final in Birmingham on 17 June.

Funding

Researchers need to be funded onto the programme by their home universities. Historically, this has led to the event being dominated by researchers from larger red-brick universities, but even central funding streams at these institutions are running out, so the event is looking for more industry support. According to YES coordinator Dr Jo Gilman:

"We work without any central funding and fund our programme using a “pay by participant” model – so each university that sends researchers to us pay fees for each person they send. The average spend for a team of researchers is around £4,000."

If you would like to know more about the scheme and/or help with increasing its central sponsorship, please email Jo.

Research to Industry, September 2015

The AEngD has received details of an event promoting industry-academia collaboration. The third Research to Industry day, organised by the UK chapter of the International Microelectronics Assembly and Packaging Society (IMAPS UK), and supported by the IEEE, is taking place at the University of Sheffield on 3 September 2015.

The organisers are hoping for EngD contributions: "EngDs are an excellent initiative to promote such collaborations, and I am looking for some case studies by your members (large and small companies) or an overview of the funding opportunities to foster these relationships," says Dr Anne Vanhoestenberghe (email Anne if you would like further details).

This event, previously attracting over 100 delegates, allows an industrial audience to meet and network with researchers active in the field of microelectronics assembly and packaging. This year's event will include keynotes from the different UK funding bodies (innovate UK and research councils) to explain the different funding options available to the industry, and case studies illustrating the benefits of those schemes to the industrial partner.