PhD Studentship - Arc Fault Analysis in Modern Aerospace Power Drive Systems
Overview
The Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at The University of Manchester is offering a fully funded four-year PhD studentship on arc fault analysis in modern aerospace power drive systems. It is an industrially linked project in partnership with Rolls-Royce at the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre in Electrical Systems, and the student will be based in the Energy Conversion Group.
As aviation moves toward more sustainable flight, on-board electrical systems become increasingly critical, and arc faults are a major reliability and safety concern because they generate heat and damage that can compromise system redundancy. The PhD will characterise how arcs start and propagate and how arcing can be managed through system design or operation, so that function is retained when faults occur and their likelihood is reduced. The work includes building a laboratory test system that can emulate arc faults in a representative aerospace power drive architecture. It will support the MOSFET research programme led by Rolls-Royce with the university and the company Aerospace HV.
Who can apply
Students eligible to pay tuition fees at the Home rate can apply. Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master's in a relevant science or engineering discipline. A strong grasp of power drives, high-voltage engineering, electrical arcs and insulation systems is sought, with a background in electrical drives or high voltage highly desirable and interest in aerospace electrical transport welcome.
What you get
The successful candidate receives an annual stipend of about 25,518 pounds and paid tuition fees.
How to apply
Applicants contact the main supervisor, Dr Djurovic, with their current level of study, academic background, relevant experience and a paragraph on their motivation for the project.
Key dates
Applications are accepted all year round, with a listed closing date of 9 December 2026, and the start is as soon as possible.
Links in this posting
- How to apply: uom.link/pgr-apply-2425
- This 4-year project is fully funded; students who are eligible to pay tuition fees at the Home rate are eligible to apply.
- To apply, please contact the main supervisor, Dr. Djurovic - sinisa.durovic@manchester.ac.uk. Include details of your current level of study, academic background, any relevant experience and a paragraph about your motivation for this PhD project.