PhD Research Studentships

PhD Studentship: Spacecraft electric propulsion: controlling ion emission in a colloid thruster

Supervisor:	John STARK
Apply by:	2 September 2016

Description

Colloid electrospray thrusters offer the potential to provide exceptional performance: high exhaust velocity and high efficiency in converting electrical energy into propulsive thrust, at low cost. Critical to performance is the ability to obtain a high percentage of ions in the propulsive beam. Whilst some understanding of the underlying processes has been achieved there is as yet no detailed understanding that can be used to predict performance for a given propellant. In this experimentally based project a careful examination will be undertaken with a variety of potential propellants to identify the role of propellant properties and the way in which flow is controlled. The student will join the large Electrospray Group and work alongside the team that is supported by two major grants from the European Space Agency and the European Union (Horizon 2020 project).

QMUL Research Studentship Details

Available to Home/EU/International Applicants.
Full Time programme only
Applicant required to start between Oct 2016 and Jan 2017.
The studentship arrangement will cover tuition fees and provide an annual stipend (£16,296 in 2016/17) for up to three years.
The minimum requirement for this studentship opportunity is a good Honours degree (minimum 2(i) honours or equivalent) or MSc/MRes in a relevant discipline.
If English is not your first language then you will require a valid English certificate equivalent to IELTS 6.5+ overall with a minimum score of 5.5 in all sections (Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking).
International applicants should refer to the following website at http://www.qmul.ac.uk/international/index.html

Supervisor Contact Details:

For informal enquiries about this position, please contact Prof John Stark

Tel: +44 (0)20 7882 8875

E-mail: j.p.w.stark@qmul.ac.uk

Application Method:

To apply for this studentship and for entry on to the Aerospace Engineering programme (Full Time, Semester 1 start) please follow the instructions detailed in section 3 of the following webpage:

http://www.qmul.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/subjects/engineering/

Further Guidance available via: http://www.qmul.ac.uk/postgraduate/applyresearchdegrees/index.html

Please be sure to include a reference to ‘2016 SEMS JPWS’ to associate your application with this studentship opportunity.

Eligibility

The minimum requirement for this studentship opportunity is a good honours degree (minimum 2(i) honours or equivalent) or MSc/MRes in a relevant discipline.
If English is not your first language, you will require a valid English certificate equivalent to IELTS 6.5+ overall with a minimum score of 6.0 in Writing and 5.5 in all sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking).
Candidates are expected to start in (Semester ).
SEMS and Principal-funded studentships: this studentship arrangement covers home tuition fees and provides an annual stipend for up to three years (currently set at the 2023/24 stipend rate of £20,622 pa)
Note that Queen Mary Research Studentships cover home-rated tuition fees only (See: www.welfare.qmul.ac.uk/money/feestatus/ for details)
Overseas applicants would be required to meet the difference between home and international tuition fees

Contact

For informal enquiries about this opportunity, please contact John STARK.