About the project
This project aims to leverage the advances in ultrasonic testing, including optical fibre-based distributed acoustic sensing and physics-enhanced machine learning, to increase the reliability of nuclear waste storage monitoring.
The security of energy generation and management facilities is essential to the defence strategy. These assets often involve extreme environmental conditions, either due to high pressure, high temperature or ionising radiation.
Nuclear waste storage is one significant example where the integrity of containers over very long periods requires reliable monitoring. However, this task is a formidable challenge, given the risky conditions and the scale of the structures involved.
This project aims to leverage the advances in ultrasonic testing, with the recent growth of optical fibre-based distributed acoustic sensing technology and physics-enhanced machine learning, to deliver solutions for reliable long-range monitoring. Both sensing modalities have limitations, and one of the project aims is to determine their practical significance and develop techniques to overcome them using modern computing.
Both active methods, which involve purposely induced acoustic signals, and passive methods that utilize leak noise, ambient vibration, intrusion, or seismic activity, are of interest, along with a framework using the available capability most optimally.
You will engage in numerical and analytical modelling, developing machine learning frameworks for metamodeling and decision support, as well as experimental tests on mock-up configurations.
The Centre for Doctoral Training in Complex Integrated Systems for Defence & Security (CISDnS) is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusivity. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking flexible working patterns and those who have taken a career break or are transitioning into a new role. The University has a generous maternity policy, onsite childcare facilities, and offers a range of benefits to help ensure employees’ well-being and work-life balance.
