Nonlinear structural dynamics, numerical: Fully Funded EPSRC PhD Scholarship: Design and Fabrication of a MEMS sensor (RS730)

Funding provider(s): EPSRC

Subject area(s): Nonlinear structural dynamics, numerical analysis, optimisation

Project start date(s):

· 1 October 2025 (Enrolment open from mid-September)

Supervisors: Dr Saber Azizi, Professoer Hamed Haddad Khodaparast and Dr Hadi Madinei

Aligned programme of study: PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Mode of study: Full-time

Project description:

This project will be conducted at Swansea University, utilising the world-class facilities of the MEMS Excellence Centre, which is renowned for its cutting-edge research in microelectromechanical systems. The study focuses on the fundamental design, analysis, optimisation, and investigation of nonlinear dynamics in MEMS sensors, with a particular emphasis on enhancing sensitivity through nonlinearity.

The objective of the project is to thoroughly examine the influence of factors such as geometry, noise sources, and nonlinearities on critical performance parameters, including bandwidth, resolution, sensitivity, and operational range.

The primary application of the research is in biomedical engineering, specifically in the development of MEMS-based sensors for robotic surgery. Robotic surgery imposes stringent requirements on sensor design, demanding high precision, robustness, and resilience to challenging conditions, such as mechanical vibrations and dynamic forces. The project aims to design, simulate, and fabricate MEMS sensors that meet these exacting standards, advancing the capabilities of existing sensor technologies.

The final phase involves comprehensive testing of the fabricated MEMS sensors to ensure compliance with performance, reliability, and durability standards for use in surgical robotics. These tests will confirm the sensors’ ability to operate accurately and consistently under demanding conditions.

By enhancing the understanding of nonlinear dynamics and applying it to practical sensor design, the project is expected to deliver significant contributions to the field of biomedical engineering, improving the reliability and precision of robotic surgery systems.

Candidates must hold an UK Bachelor degree with a minimum of Upper Second Class honours in Engineering or similar relevant science discipline or overseas Bachelor degree deemed equivalent to UK Bachelor (by UK ECCTIS) and achieved a grade equivalent to UK Upper Second Class honours in Engineering or similar relevant science discipline – see country specific qualifications

IELTS 6.5 Overall (5.5+ each comp.) or Swansea University recognised equivalent.

EPSRC DTP studentships are available to home and international students. Up to 30% of our cohort can comprise international students, once the limit has been reached, we are unable to make offers to international students.

We are still accepting applications from international applicants.
International students will not be charged the fee difference between the UK and international rate. Applicants should satisfy the UKRI eligibility requirements.

Please note that the programme requires some applicants to hold ATAS clearance; further details on ATAS scheme eligibility are available on the UK Government website.

ATAS clearance IS NOT required to be held as part of the scholarship application process. Successful award winners (as appropriate) are provided with details as to how to apply for ATAS clearance in tandem with a scholarship course offer.

This scholarship covers the full cost of UK tuition fees for UK and International students and an annual tax-free living stipend in line with UKRI minimum rates (currently £19,237 for 2024/25).

Additional research expenses of up to £1,000 per year will also be available.

To apply, please complete your application online with the following information:

1.Course choice – please select:

Mechanical Engineering  / PhD / Full-time / 3 Years / October

In the event you have already applied for the above programme previously, the application system may issue a warning notice and prevent application, in this event, please email pgrscholarships@swansea.ac.uk where staff will be happy to assist you in submitting your application.

2. Start year – please select 2025

3. Funding (page 8) –

• ‘Are you funding your studies yourself?’ – please select No
• ‘Name of Individual or organisation providing funds for study’ – please enter 'RS730 - MEMS sensor'.

*It is the responsibility of the applicant to list the above information accurately when applying, please note that applications received without the above information listed will not be considered for the scholarship award.

One application is required per individual Swansea University led research scholarship award; applications cannot be considered listing multiple Swansea University led research scholarship awards.

NOTE: Applicants for PhD/EngD/ProfD/EdD - to support our commitment to providing an environment free of discrimination and celebrating diversity at Swansea University you are required to complete an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Monitoring Form in addition to your programme application form. Please click the following link to complete your EDI Monitoring Form:

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Monitoring Form (online form)

Please note that completion of the EDI Monitoring Form is mandatory; your application may not progress if this information is not submitted.

As part of your online application, you MUST upload the following documents (please do not send these via email):

• CV
• Degree certificates and transcripts
• A cover letter
• Two references
• Evidence of meeting English Language requirement (if applicable)
• Copy of UK resident visa (if applicable)
• Confirmation of submission of EDI Form

Informal enquiries are welcome; please contact: Dr Saber Azizi, saber.azizi@swansea.ac.uk

*External Partner Application Data Sharing – Please note that as part of the scholarship application selection process, application data sharing may occur with external partners outside of the University, when joint/co-funding of a scholarship project is applicable.