Project details
This is an exciting research opportunity in collaboration with our industry partner Parvalux Electric Motors Ltd. With over 70 years’ experience creating motors, gearboxes and offer thousands of AC, PMDC and BLDC motor options.
Parvalux Electric Motors Ltd was first established in 1947. The business relocated to Bournemouth on England's south coast in 1957, where it started designing and manufacturing complete gear-motor units for industrial applications. In 2008, Parvalux acquired Essex-based EMD Drive Systems Ltd. and relocated it to Bournemouth, nearly doubling the company's turnover in the process. The Clark Group’s ownership of Parvalux came to an end in December 2018 when maxon motor, the specialist for mechatronic drive systems, acquired the company.
One third of useful energy is lost within the interacting systems due to friction. The economic costs of these losses are in billions of pounds in GDP. Optimisation of frictional losses within interacting system will make “energy savings of around 55% in transportation, 40% in power generation, 25% in manufacturing industry and 20% in residential sector” [source].
Led by BU’s Professor Zulfiqar Khan this project aims to answer the key questions in terms of (i) how to adapt Parvalux design and materials of new motors and gear boxes to allow maintenance or end of life reusability and (ii) which materials currently used in Parvalux motors and gears shall be discontinued or not used in new products development, due to the new RoSH and REACH normative and to which materials they could be replaced to.
Sustainability and people health and safety are crucial topics for all organizations, including Parvalux and therefore gaining knowledge in these areas are an important step for Parvalux future products development processes and guidelines.
View the full project description (pdf 255kb)
The closing date is 31/01/2024.
Supervisors
Professor Zulfiqar A Khan has been leading NanoCorr, Energy & Modelling (NCEM) research group within the University Design & Engineering department. NCEM was previously known as Sustainable Design Research Centre (SDRC) and received its Research Excellence Framework (REF – UK national research audit) 14 Panel Unit Feedback as, “Sustainable Design Research Group had the highest proportion of outputs judged to be internationally excellent”. He is championing REF2021 as Unit of Assessment (UoA) 12 (Engineering) Unit Leader.
Professor Khan has developed multidisciplinary research in wear-corrosion synergy, nano-coating incorporating tribo-corrosion issues, thermodynamics and numerical modelling in collaboration with major industrial and academic partners.
He has previously lead Research and Enterprise activity in the then School of Design, Engineering and Computing, as Associate Dean between Nov 2008 ‘til Aug 2010 and the University’s Sustainable Design Research Centre as Director since July 2007.
He has developed a portfolio of international collaboration through the appointment of visiting professors and visiting fellows who participate in the centre’s research and academic development. Professor Khan has developed longstanding industrial collaborations such as the Ministry of Defence UK, Future Energy Source Ltd, Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG, Balmain Environmental Conservation Trust, ASM Assembly Systems Ltd, The Tank Museum at Bovington UK and Daido Metal Co Ltd, The European Technical Centre (UK).
Funding
A fully-funded Studentship includes a maintenance grant of £18,622 per year to contribute towards living expenses during the course of your research, as well as a fee waiver for 36 months. Associated costs, such as for fieldwork and conference attendance, will also be met under the Studentship.
Academic support
The Research Development Programme, developed by the Doctoral College in line with the Researcher Development Framework (Vitae).An added benefit is the opportunity to meet researchers from other academic schools at BU through the activities of the Doctoral College and benefit from their experiences, skills, and perspectives.
Full entry requirements
The BU PhD and MRes Studentships are open to UK, EU and International students.
Candidates for a PhD Studentship should demonstrate outstanding qualities and be motivated to complete a PhD in 4 years and must demonstrate:
- Outstanding academic potential as measured normally by either a 1st class honours degree (or equivalent Grade Point Average (GPA) or a Master’s degree with distinction or equivalent
- An IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 minimum (with a minimum 6.0 in each component, or equivalent) for candidates for whom English is not their first language and this must be evidenced at point of application.
In addition to satisfying minimum entry criteria, BU will look closely at the qualities, skills and background of each candidate and what they can bring to their chosen research project in order to ensure successful completion.
Applicants will be asked to submit an online application form and a proposal (approximately 1500 words) outlining their understanding of the project for which they are applying, the approach they would envisage taking and what qualities they will bring to the research community.
Please note:
- current BU Doctoral students are not eligible to apply for a Studentship
- current MRes/MPhil students can apply, subject to satisfactory completion of their Research Degree prior to being able to take up the award
- PhD Studentships cannot be used to support BU staff to complete doctoral programmes.
First and master’s degrees in mechanical, or environmental or materials or relevant engineering disciplines are essential. Candidate is expected to demonstrate knowledge, understanding and experience of tribology (wear, friction and lubrication) and materials in general. Strong academic profile in engineering maths or applied mathematics is essential. Basic or fundamental knowledge and understanding of RoSH (Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive) and REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and restriction of Chemicals) will be conducted is desirable.
International entry requirements
If English is not your first language, you will need to provide evidence that you can understand English to a satisfactory level. English language requirements for this course are normally:
IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 (with a minimum 6.0 in each component) or equivalent.
View further information about our English language requirements.
A number of pre-sessional English and preparatory programmes are offered through our partner institution, Bournemouth University International College, and will get you ready for study at BU at the appropriate level.
You can also find further details of the international qualifications we accept, and what level of study they apply to, on our postgraduate entry requirements page.
How to apply
Click the green ‘Apply now’ button at the top of the page and complete the online application form. You can find further guidance about applying for a postgraduate research degree in our Postgraduate Research section.
The closing date for applications 31/01/2024.
Careers
A research degree can open new career opportunities in commercial research and development, consultancy, or could lead you to starting your own business. You may alternatively consider a career in academia. You may wish to undertake research to contribute to your knowledge of a specialist subject, or develop your employability by enhancing your skills in project management and analysis.
