Ford Motor Company and EPSRC PhD Studentship

Symbiotic Simulation of Ford Engine Manufacturing Systems

University of East London

Supervisors: Professor Hassan Abdalla, Dr Haris Mouratidis, John Ladbrook - Simulation Technical Expert of Ford Motor Company 
Award Type: PhD
Duration of Award: 3 years

Supported by Ford Motor Company and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council

The University of East London have a collaborative research project with Ford Motor, which aims to develop Symbiotic Simulation of Ford Engine Manufacturing Systems.

The manufacture of high performance engines for modern vehicles is a highly complex task and one where major efficiency gains can be achieved through improvements to the manufacturing systems employed in their production. This research will be undertaken in collaboration with the Ford Motor Company's Manufacturing Engineering Power Train (MEPT) department where simulation modelling is integral to the decision making process in the design and improvement of their manufacturing systems.

Ford's MEPT are continually improving their simulation modelling tools and underlying models to deliver efficiency improvements and allow the evaluation of proposed changes to their manufacturing systems. To meet these challenges there is a need within the project to develop a direct relationship between the simulation model and an actual system which results in a ready-to-use model.

The researcher will develop multi-disciplinary skills in computer modelling, manufacturing systems, simulation, production line monitoring, and system engineering. 
During the research programme, there will be opportunities for further training, travel, and for attendance at national and international conferences.

The successful candidate will be based between Ford Motor Company at Dunton Engineering and Research Centre, which is the largest automotive technical centre in the UK and UEL in London.

Value of the Award and Eligibility

Support includes an annual bursary for three years, PhD registration fees at UK/EU student rate, research expenses, general training funds and some travel costs.

Person Specification

Applicants should have a first class or second class UK/EU honours degree or equivalent, in a relevant discipline, such as computer science and informatics, and engineering.   

Funding information

Supported by Ford Motor Company and EPSRC, the funds will cover the tuition fees and a bursary of a minimum of £15,590 per annum for three years.

Contacts and how to apply

You must apply using the Research Degrees application form via the Apply button below inserting the reference number: N100991 and a covering letter and CV.

Application deadline

1st April 2013

For further information, please contact:

Professor Hassan Abdalla
Dean of the School of Architecture, Computing and Engineering (ACE)
University of East London
4-6 University Way
London E16 2RD

Email: h.s.abdalla@uel.ac.uk