Nonlinear dynamics of aperiodically-excited pendula

About the project

About the Project This PhD project will investigate the nonlinear dynamics and control of a base-excited pendulum-based vibratory energy harvester for renewable energy applications. The project focuses on a multi-pendulum/dual-pendulum device that can convert irregular, wave-like excitations into sustained rotational motion for electrical power generation. The student will develop numerical and analytical models to predict the dynamic responses of the pendulum system under aperiodic and stochastic excitations. Particular attention will be given to the identification of rotational attractors, bifurcation behaviour, favourable initial conditions, and design parameters that enable continuous rotations without stopping points. These numerical studies will be supported by experimental validation using a laboratory-scale base-excited pendulum rig. A further objective of the project is to develop intelligent control strategies to maintain and regulate the pendula’s rotational motion under irregular excitation conditions. These control strategies will be designed to improve power extraction efficiency while accounting for the additional mechanical loading introduced by the electrical generator. The project will also benchmark the proposed system against conventional vibration energy harvesting approaches and explore practical deployment strategies for real-world environments, including wave-energy applications. The principal supervisor of this project is Dr Sze-Hong Teh from the School of Robotics, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University. Co-supervision will be provided by Dr Heba Lakany from the Department of Electrical Engineering and Electronics, University of Liverpool, and Dr Yasunori Sakai from the School of Intelligent Manufacturing Ecosystem, XJTLU. Dr Ko-Choong Woo from the University of Nottingham Malaysia will contribute as an external supervisor, with expertise in mathematical modelling, numerical analysis, and control strategy development. Additional academic guidance will be provided by Professor Marian Wiercigroch, Sixth Century Chair in Applied Dynamics and Director of the Centre for Applied Dynamics Research at the University of Aberdeen, whose expertise in nonlinear dynamics and applied mechanics is closely aligned with the project. For more information about doctoral scholarship and PhD programme at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU), please visit: https://www.xjtlu.edu.cn/en/admissions/global/entry-requirements/ https://www.xjtlu.edu.cn/en/admissions/global/fees-and-scholarship Supervisors: Principal Supervisor: Dr. Sze-Hong Teh (Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University) Co-supervisor: Dr Yasunori Sakai (Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University) Co-supervisor: Dr. Heba Lakany (University of Liverpool) External Supervisor: Dr. Ko-Choong Woo (University of Nottingham) Requirements: A Master's degree with Merit and a Bachelor's degree with first-class or upper second-class honors are required for PhD admissions. Exceptional candidates holding only a Bachelor's degree may be considered on an individual basis in certain disciplines. Evidence of good spoken and written English is essential. The candidate should have an IELTS (or equivalent) score of 6.5 or above, if the first language is not English. This position is open to all qualified candidates irrespective of nationality. Degree: The student will be awarded a PhD degree from the University of Liverpool (UK) upon successful completion of the program. Funding: The PhD studentship is available for three years subject to satisfactory progress by the student. The award covers 50% tuition fee reduction for three years (RMB 148,500 total value). It also provides up to RMB 16,500 to allow participation at international conferences during the period of the award. The scholarship holders are expected to conduct the majority of their research at XJTLU in Suzhou, China. However, they may apply for a short-term research visit to the University of Liverpool if the project requires it. How to Apply: Interested applicants are advised to email Szehong.Teh@xjtlu.edu.cn (XJTLU principal supervisor’s email address) the following documents for initial review and assessment (please put the project title in the subject line). CV Two formal reference letters Personal statement outlining your interest in the position Certificates of English language qualifications (IELTS or equivalent) Full academic transcripts in both Chinese and English (for international students, only the English version is required) Verified certificates of education qualifications in both Chinese and English (for international students, only the English version is required) PDF copy of Master Degree dissertation (or an equivalent writing sample) and examiners reports available Contact: Please email Szehong.Teh@xjtlu.edu.cn (XJTLU principal supervisor’s email address) with a subject line of the PhD project title. The principal supervisor’s profile is linked here: https://scholar.xjtlu.edu.cn/en/persons/SzehongTeh

Research areas