Frameworks & Governance for the Certification by Analysis of Complex Systems

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Frameworks & Governance for the Certification by Analysis of Complex Systems.

• Frameworks & Governance for the Certification by Analysis of Complex Systems.: School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering | PHD
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Overview

Traditional approaches for the certification of complex systems typically require physical testing of finished products. This can be costly and time consuming leading to challenges in technical and commercial performance. Modelling and simulation (M&S) innovations could potentially address these challenges by using virtual rather than physical means through the process of Certification by Analysis (CbA). This project will examine the use of CbA as a means of achieving higher confidence levels within simulation-based methods with the ultimate aim of replacing physical tests with lower costs and shorter certification lead times while maintaining or improving levels of safety and quality.

This project will be centred on compliance assurance and will initially examine current standards / industrial / certification body thinking for best practice (current & anticipated) in CbA. The intention is to use a multi-disciplinary approach (where possible) based on the nature of the system being certified and the platforms used to model / simulate them. The work will develop a cohesive, globally applicable roadmap / framework for the application of CbA methods with its dual-purpose including means by which organisations can assess / be assessed for their individual levels of readiness for its use for the certification of real systems. Aim: To establish the use of certification by analysis as a means of certifying complex systems 1. Literature & Technical Review (including industrial perspectives from experienced practitioners via interviews / workshops): i. Current state of the art in complex system compliance and conventional certification approaches. ii. Current Certification by Analysis methods / frameworks / relevant technologies / applicable standards. 2. Conduct gap analysis based on 1.i & 1.ii to identify / develop requirements for implementation & assessment of a CbA approach: i. Implement: Technical Approach. M&S – application based – see 3 below. ii. Assess: Process for application of CbA against framework (from review and / or developed as part of this work) against key performance indicators (KPIs). 3. Identify & Implement applications / case studies for CbA implementation based on 2.i.a. Suitability of candidate studies will be based on appropriate opportunities for application of M&S to certification. Minimum of 2 cases (TBC) – ideally across multiple disciplines / technologies. Studies to benchmark M&S approach(es) against physical tests. Key challenges to be addressed around concepts of Trust, V&V, and UQ as well as any other KPIs identified as part of 1 & 2 above. 4. Assess technical and procedural outcomes from 3 above, relative to outcomes from 2.ii & make technical and procedural recommendations for the application of M&S methods to the process of CbA. This research project will enable the successful student to acquire valuable experience of engineering simulation, compliance assurance and industrial practice in complex system certification - all of which are highly sought after at a time when industrial primes are seeking to improve their technical and financial agility in new product development and introduction. Experience will be gained in advanced commercial simulation tools, validating their predictive capability against real data and process mapping / development through product development to certification. Ultimately the work will address a current gap in knowledge related to how exactly, current M&S practices can be aligned with developing needs for certification without physical testing. Key aspects of the work will cover questions around Trust (people & processes) as well as uncertainty quantification (UQ) and verification & validation (V&V), The approach utilised in the project will include periods working within the research team at Queens as well as company partner(s). This will enable the successful candidate to acquire knowledge and insights related to the project subject matter as well as experience working in an industrial team environment. As a result, their experiential benefits will encompass; knowledge & intellectual abilities, personal effectiveness, research governance & organisation, engagement influence & impact. This PhD has been specified in response to a recent surge in demand for shorter lead times for new product introduction. A key element to address this this, is certification by analysis which has the potential to reduce current dependencies on physical testing. The methods used for the work will focus on aerospace applications but ultimately, the outcomes will be equally applicable to any complex system irrespective of the application / discipline. The successful applicant will develop transferrable skills for systems / applications across industrial sectors. The successful candidate will be part of the team at Queens University who are currently playing a central role in the development of this new and developing research area. The work planned for this PhD aims to apply enhance the application of M&S methods beyond the design function to support system / sub-system certification. The ‘playbook’ for this innovative approach has yet to be written making this PhD one of the first of its kind.

Funding Information

This studentship will cover tuition fees, includes a maintenance stipend of £26,910 per annum, and is open to UK Nationals Only. An industry gross salary (pre-tax, student loan repayment, pension (3%) and national insurance contributions) of £34,000 results in an approximately equivalent take home pay.

Dr Joe Butterfield

Research Profile

Full-time: Full Time

Aerospace Engineering overview

Our society needs exceptional engineers who can understand, create and harness technology to address our shared global challenges. Without these individuals our long-term success as technologically advanced societies and economies will be diminished. Undertaking a PhD in the School of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering will enable you to make a real difference, positively impacting your career and through your research improving engineering methods and practice, and ultimately society. Research undertaken by PhD students in the School of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering forms a critical part of our research portfolio. Our research portfolio is ranked 24th in the UK with 96% of our Engineering research rated as world-leading or internationally excellent [REF 2021/ Times Higher Education]. What is more the REF2021 assessment, which is carried out by panels of academics and international experts, rated over 99% of the university research environment as world-leading or internationally excellent. Queen’s is ranked 8th in the UK for Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering, and 4th in the UK for graduate prospects in the subject (Complete University Guide 2027). Within this environment our PhD students research within the broad topics of design, materials, manufacturing, and energy. Joining us as a PhD student you will be part of a dynamic environment and will study alongside students from many countries worldwide. It is a thriving student community, in which you will have the opportunity to develop both career and life skills, for example by engaging in cohort training, mentoring programmes and student led social and cultural initiatives. A PhD studentship is an investment in your personal development, worth over £100,000. Many of our PhD graduates take-up academic roles, while others go on to play leading roles in industry or become entrepreneurs. A PhD provides many benefits, among others it provides a range of "transferable skills", such as independent and critical thinking, analytical and problem solving skills, leadership, and self-confidence. Because of these developed characteristics we see that many industry leaders hold a PhD. Those with a postgraduate qualification can earn up to 26% more than those holding an undergraduate degree alone (Department for the Economy, Northern Ireland, 2021). More importantly, you will get a different type of job and likely make progress faster through promotion and reward mechanisms. This, of course, depends on your ambition, but a PhD builds an exceptional career foundation.

Research students are encouraged to play a full and active role in relation to the wide range of research activities undertaken within the School and there are many resources available including:

• Industry Links The school boasts a number of strategic partnerships with world leading engineering companies. These partnerships enable our postgraduate students to forge vital links with industrial collaborators throughout their studies, gaining valuable exposure and real-world feedback. For example, the WTech Research Centre is working alongside Wrightbus to develop innovative and crucial global transport solutions. A dedicated team partnered with Rolls-Royce, is developing novel design approaches to deliver the aircraft of tomorrow. These partnerships, amongst others, mean PhD students can begin making real industry impact from year one of their studies. World Class Facilities The school encompasses world class facilities which are tailored to meet the needs of our students and research specialisms. Our materials testing laboratories can characterise a wide range of materials, including polymers and advanced composites. Our High Performance Computing (HPC) facility supports demanding numerical analysis such as Finite Element Analysis and Computational Fluid Dynamics. State-ofthe-art manufacturing capabilities, including additive manufacture and robotics are powering research into The Factory of the Future. It is cutting edge facilities such as these, that give our PhD graduates a unique set of skills to enhance their future careers. Internationally Renowned Experts Undertaking a research degree in the School of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering at Queen's, you will work with and be supervised by world-leading experts in their respective fields. Student Experience An enhanced student experience is at the heart of what we do. As part of a diverse community of over 100 PhD students, you'll be a valued part of a vibrant research community. You will benefit from a supportive mentoring program, a wide range of training opportunities and avail of the social events and wellbeing initiatives rolled out by our student-led Research Society
• The school encompasses world class facilities which are tailored to meet the needs of our students and research specialisms. Our materials testing laboratories can characterise a wide range of materials, including polymers and advanced composites. Our High Performance Computing (HPC) facility supports demanding numerical analysis such as Finite Element Analysis and Computational Fluid Dynamics. State-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities, including additive manufacture and robotics are powering research into The Factory of the Future. It is cutting edge facilities such as these, that give our PhD graduates a unique set of skills to enhance their future careers.
• Undertaking a research degree in the School of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering at Queen’s, you will work with and be supervised by world-leading experts in their respective fields.
• An enhanced student experience is at the heart of what we do. As part of a diverse community of over 100 PhD students, you’ll be a valued part of a vibrant research community. You will benefit from a supportive mentoring program, a wide range of training opportunities and avail of the social events and wellbeing initiatives rolled out by our student-led Research Culture Committee.
• The School has strategic research partnerships with a number of globally leading engineering companies, e.g. Rolls-Royce, Wrightbus, in which researchers undertake cutting edge and impactful research within multidisciplinary teams.
• Access to state-of-the-art research laboratories and computing facilities (Northern Ireland High performance computing), along with office accommodation and opportunity to work within our aligned innovation centres
• Access to the Queen’s University Postgraduate Researcher Development Programme and a wide range of personal development and specialist training courses.
• A vibrant research community with opportunities to socialise, integrate and personally develop through student and university organised events.
• Excellent graduate prospects ranging from academic, industrial to entrepreneurial opportunities.

Course content

Employment after the Course Dedicated to translating our research innovation into real world industrial and societal benefit. Many of our PhD graduates have moved into academic and research roles in Higher Education while others go on to play leading roles in industry, industry or become entrepreneurs. Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits .

Dr Declan Nolan Director of Postgraduate Research Mech & Aerospace Engineering Email: d.nolan@qub.ac.uk

Entrance requirements

Graduate The minimum academic requirement for admission to a research degree programme is normally an Upper Second Class Honours degree from a UK or ROI HE provider, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. Further information can be obtained by contacting the School.

For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country .

Evidence of an IELTS score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in any component (taken within the last 2 years) is required.

International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.

For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs .

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

Tuition Fees

Northern Ireland (NI) 1 | TBC

Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2 | TBC

England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1 | TBC

EU Other 3 | £28,900

International | £28,900

1 EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled or pre-settled status, are expected to be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident, however this is provisional and subject to the publication of the Northern Ireland Assembly Student Fees Regulations. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB are expected to be charged the GB fee, however this is provisional and subject to the publication of the Northern Ireland Assembly student fees Regulations.

2 It is expected that EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI will be eligible for NI tuition fees. The tuition fee set out above is provisional and subject to the publication of the Northern Ireland Assembly student fees Regulations.

3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.

All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. All fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

More information on postgraduate tuition fees .

Aerospace Engineering costs

There are no specific additional course costs associated with this programme.

Additional course costs

Depending on the programme of study, there may also be other extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies . Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £100 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges. Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen. There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, and library fines. In undertaking a research project students may incur costs associated with transport and/or materials, and there will also be additional costs for printing and binding the thesis. There may also be individually tailored research project expenses and students should consult directly with the School for further information.

Some research programmes incur an additional annual charge on top of the tuition fees, often referred to as a bench fee. Bench fees are charged when a programme (or a specific project) incurs extra costs such as those involved with specialist laboratory or field work. If you are required to pay bench fees they will be detailed on your offer letter. If you have any questions about Bench Fees these should be raised with your School at the application stage. Please note that, if you are being funded you will need to ensure your sponsor is aware of and has agreed to fund these additional costs before accepting your place.

How do I fund my study?

Find PhD opportunities and funded studentships by subject area.

We offer numerous opportunities for funded doctoral study in a world-class research environment. Our centres and partnerships, aim to seek out and nurture outstanding postgraduate research students, and provide targeted training and skills development.

The Government offers doctoral loans of up to £26,445 for PhDs and equivalent postgraduate research programmes for English- or Welsh-resident UK and EU students.

Information on Postgraduate Research scholarships for international students .

The Funding & Scholarship Finder helps prospective and current students find funding to help cover costs towards a whole range of study related expenses.

How to Apply

Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply .

If you're interested in a particular project, we suggest you contact the relevant academic before you apply, to introduce yourself and ask questions.

To find a potential supervisor aligned with your area of interest, or if you are unsure of who to contact, look through the staff profiles linked here .

You might be asked to provide a short outline of your proposal to help us identify potential supervisors.

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