Supervisors

Dr Konstantinos Agathos University of Exeter Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy

Dr Evangelos Papatheou University of Exeter Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy

Dr Konstantinos Tatsis  ETH Zurich

This PhD studentship is related to the digitalization of wind energy systems, with the goal of exploring and developing a data-driven paradigm for structural health monitoring and maintenance planning.

The aim of the project is to create a digital twin of the structural and mechanical components of the system, which can be continuously updated to reflect the actual condition of the system and can detect anomalies and faults occurring during operation. As such, it will involve the development of state-of-the-art deep-learning techniques for computationally efficient models, and validation of the developed techniques using real-world data.

Candidates are expected to have a background in structural and/or mechanical engineering, applied mathematics, or physics. Experience in machine learning models and algorithms is desired but not necessary.

For eligible students the studentship will cover home tuition fees plus an annual tax-free stipend of at least £20,112 for 3.5 years full-time. The student would be based in the Department of Engineering in the Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy at the Streatham Campus in Exeter, while the possibility of a secondment in RTDT Laboratories in Zürich, Switzerland, will also be offered.

The studentship will be awarded on the basis of merit. Students who pay international tuition fees are eligible to apply, but should note that the award will only provide payment for part of the international tuition fee (~£24k) and no stipend.   

International applicants need to be aware that they will have to cover the cost of their student visa, healthcare surcharge and other costs of moving to the UK to do a PhD.

The conditions for eligibility of home fees status are complex and you will need to seek advice if you have moved to or from the UK (or Republic of Ireland) within the past 3 years or have applied for settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.  

The collaboration involves a project partner who is providing funding [and other material support to the project], this means there are special terms that apply to the project, these will be discussed with Candidates at Interview and fully set out in the offer letter.  The collaboration with the named project partner is subject to contract.  Please note full details of the project partner’s contribution and involvement with the project is still to be confirmed and may change during the course of contract negotiations.  Full details will be confirmed at offer stage. 

Entry requirements

Applicants for this studentship must have obtained, or be about to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class UK Honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an appropriate area of Engineering.

If English is not your first language you will need to meet the English language requirements and provide proof of proficiency. Click here for more information.

How to apply

Apply now

To apply, please click the ‘Apply Now’ button above. In the application process you will be asked to upload the following documents:

•             CV

•             Letter of application (outlining your academic interests, prior research experience and reasons for wishing to undertake the project).

•             Transcript(s) giving full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained (this should be an interim transcript if you are still studying)

•             Two references from referees familiar with your academic work. If your referees prefer, they can email the reference direct to PGRApplicants@exeter.ac.uk quoting the studentship reference number.

•             If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country you will need to submit evidence of your proficiency in English.

The closing date for applications is midnight on 15/12/2024.  Interviews will be held virtually in the week commencing 06/01/2025.

All application documents must be submitted in English. Certified translated copies of academic qualifications must also be provided.

Please quote reference 5356 on your application and in any correspondence about this studentship.

Summary