PhD Studentship in Electromagnetic Compatibility for 25kV Rail Systems, Funded by Network Rail

Electrical System Study and Modelling Based on 25kV Railway AC Electrical System Measurement Data for Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)

Applications are invited for a Network Rail funded, 3.5-year PhD programme to address key challenges in the rail industry. The successful candidate with be based at the University of Nottingham but will have the opportunity to collaborate with engineers from Network Rail and spend time at their offices.

This PhD will investigate modelling techniques that can help engineers understand electromagnetic compatibility issues in railway 25kV AC overhead lines. This will include developing models, mathematical techniques and software tools that can predict how the power distribution lines, on-train power converters and trackside systems interact, and then to use these tools to understand how EMC issues can be mitigated. 

An academic or technical background in the areas of power electronic systems, power systems, physics, mathematical modelling or software development is required. 

The PhD is offered jointly by the George Green Institute for Electromagnetic Research (GGIEMR) and Power Electronics, Machines and Control (PEMC) research groups, with funding and industrial guidance from Network Rail.

The GGIEMR is a global research leader in the areas of photonic and optoelectronic simulation, simulation for electromagnetic compatibility and power quality and experimental EMC testing. 

The Power Electronics, Machines and Control (PEMC) Research Group is internationally renowned and one of the largest on its field, it is based on Jubilee Campus in a new, purpose-built £18M facility. The PEMC group has a total Research Portfolio of over £25 million, and PEMC academics lead or are partners on high-impact, internationally recognised projects.

Funding is available for home students at the current UKRI rate (tax free stipend of £19,237 + tuition fees). Applicants should have achieved or be expecting to achieve, at least a 2.1 degree in a relevant subject.

Please contact Dr Steve Greedy (Steve.Greedy@nottingham.ac.uk) or Dr Paul Evans (Paul.Evans@nottingham.ac.uk) for more information. Formal applications can be made via the University postgraduate study website, listing Steve and Paul as supervisors and making reference to this advertisement.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The Faculty of Engineering provides a thriving working environment for all PGRs creating a strong sense of community across research disciplines. Community and research culture is important to our PGRs and the FoE support this by working closely with our Postgraduate Research Society (PGES) and our PGR Research Group Reps to enhance the research environment for PGRs. PGRs benefit from training through the Researcher Academy’s Training Programme, those based within the Faculty of Engineering have access to bespoke courses developed for Engineering PGRs. including sessions on paper writing, networking and career development after the PhD. The Faculty has outstanding facilities and works in partnership with leading industrial partners. 

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