Mechanical Engineering: Fully Funded PhD Scholarship: Development of an Automated Process for the Design and Manufacture of a Vehicle Body Part

Funding providers: Swansea University’s Faculty of Science and Engineering and Edward Davies Commercials Ltd (MS-RT)

Subject areas: Engineering Design, Finite Element Analysis, CAD, CAM, AI

Project start date: 

• 1 October 2024 (Enrolment open from mid-September) (home only)
• 1 January 2025 (Enrolment open from mid-December) (international)

Supervisors:

• Dr Will Newton (w.newton@swansea.ac.uk)
• Professor Cinzia Giannetti

Aligned programme of study: PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Mode of study: Full-time

Project description: 

The project scope is to develop and automate the design and manufacture of vehicle body parts using the most advanced technology. Today the time we take to develop vehicle body parts is too long winded. Ordinarily the development and realisation of the design requires multiple iterations within CAD, FEA, and injection moulding software. Tooling and manufacturing of the moulds takes an extremely long time as they are CNC machined from block steel or aluminium and assembled.  

The project scope is:  

• To gain a deep understanding of each stage of the design, development, and manufacturing route.
• To innovate how we shorten each stage by systematically breaking down the processes into the constituent parts, to allow for a deep understanding, identify bottle necks and opportunities for improvement.
• To optimise strategies to ensure the most efficient process by using the latest technology. The development and use of AI algorithms will be paramount to ensuring success.
• To look for ways to automate the processes conducted in CAD, FEA, mould analyses and manufacturing.
• The objective of the project is that the entire process is realised virtually within software, with little to no engagement by the user, with the output being a tooling design ready for manufacturing and subsequently the injection moulded body part.

ABOUT THE COMPANY 

We take iconic vehicles like the class-leading Ford Transit Custom and give it a sporting edge that’s unlike anything else on the road. Each model is hand-crafted and styled to turn heads. No other commercial vehicle has the pose and swagger to match an MS-RT

. 

With 40 years of motorsport experience behind us – including the World Rally Championship, Global Rallycross and GT3 Racing – the drive to be the best runs in our veins.  

MS-RT’s partnership with Ford allows all MS-RT models to be sold and serviced through the Ford franchised dealer network, providing all the benefits and assurances our customers expect when they invest in an MS-RT.  

Eligibility

Candidates must hold a 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.

English Language: IELTS 6.5 Overall (with no individual component below 5.5) or Swansea University recognised equivalent. 

This scholarship is open to candidates of any nationality. 

ATAS

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 their scholarship course offer.