Intelligent Structures for Low Noise Environments

The radiation of noise and vibration from vibrating structures is a major problem in a wide variety of industrial applications. The particular application focus for this research project is in maritime systems, where the main and auxiliary machinery can cause problems associated with crew and passenger comfort, structural integrity and where increasingly radiated noise is seen as a hazard for marine life. Although a range of passive vibration and noise control measures are used in practice, they do not provide effective control at low frequencies. This project is part of a larger research programme, which focuses on the development of innovative and effective solutions for a range of noise and vibration control problems. This includes active noise and vibration control solutions, advanced passive noise control technologies, such as Metamaterials and Acoustic Black Holes, and the use of design and topology optimisation methods for the design of low noise structures. The programme will also investigate how noise and vibration control systems can be optimised for subjective performance and consider how control and harvesting of vibration can be integrated into a unified design approach. Although the overall research programme is broad, the specific focus of this PhD project within the larger programme will depend to a certain extent on the candidates previous experience, interests and future potentials - we are seeking the most promising researchers that will be able to contribute to the objective of developing novel and intelligent structures and systems for low noise environments.