PhD Research Studentships

Spacecraft Electric Propulsion: materials degradation study

Supervisor:	John STARK
Apply by:	7 April 2017

Description

QMUL is leading in Europe the development of a novel electric propulsion system through a number of related projects that are supported by the European Space Agency, the EU as part of Horizon 2020 and industry. As part of this development we need to identify and investigate life limiting factors. The type of propulsion under development is termed a colloid electrospray propulsion system. 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. However such beams are potentially damaging. Thus, there is the potential for both spacecraft surfaces and propulsion system component surfaces to be impacted by highly energetic large mass charged molecules. These species have the potential to erode materials through chemically enhanced sputtering. Relatively little is known about the underlying processes of such impacts; however such knowledge is critically important prior to in-space flight testing in order to mitigate such damage.

This specific PhD project will be experimentally led. By using the electrospray process beams of molecular ions and clusters containing potential propellants, will be accelerated to high velocity (~20km/s) under vacuum conditions. These beams will be electrostatically focused in order to impact on a variety of surfaces materials, hence enabling a study of the impact process to be undertaken. This project is most suitable for students having qualifications in either physics, or aerospace engineering or materials science. The successful applicant is expected to have a strong enthusiasm and interest in space flight in general and spacecraft propulsion in particular. The student will become a member of the Electrospray Research group currently consisting of 3 PhD students and 5 post-doctoral researchers.

QMUL Research Studentship Details

Available to Home/EU Applicants only.
Full Time programme only
Applicant required to start as soon as possible, but no later than September 2017
The studentship arrangement will cover tuition fees and provide an annual stipend for up to three years (Currently set as £16,296 in 2016/17).
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 6.0 in Writing and 5.5 in all other sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking).
Please Note that this studentship is only available to Home/EU Applicants. (See: http://www.welfare.qmul.ac.uk/money/feestatus/ for details)

Supervisor Contact Details:
For informal enquiries about this position, please contact Professor John Stark
Tel: 020 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/index.html

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

Please be sure to include a reference to ‘2017 SEMS QMRS 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.