Soft Robotic Buckling Pulse Jet Propulsion at University of Southampton

Supervisory Team: Blair Thornton, Melike Kurt, and Gabriel Weymouth 

Project description

Jellyfish utilise pulsatile jets of water to propel themselves forward. As they lack a skeleton, they do not control the movement of bones, but instead control their internal hydrodynamic pressure for actuation. You will develop an aquatic soft robot that utilises soft fluid-filled tubes to indirectly morph the robot by controlling internal pressure and stiffness and achieve underwater propulsion. 

During your PhD you will engineer a novel bio-inspired propulsion and control system inspired by jellyfish. The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) has awarded the University of Southampton with 3 PhD studentships in bio-inspired underwater propulsion. You will become a part of a UK-wide cohort of PhDs in this area, which includes students at other UK based universities. 

Motivated candidates with knowledge/interest in mechatronics, hydrodynamics, robotic design and experimentation, control and machine learning techniques are encouraged to apply. The PhD candidates will have access to a large array of facilities including Maritime Robotics Lab and Experimental Fluids Lab located at Highfield and Boldrewood Innovation campuses.   

In addition to the regular activities of a PhD, you will interact with other students in your cohort, organise industry facing workshops, and report your progress to DSTL.   

Come join our Bioinspired Underwater Propulsion cohort and learn novel ways moving underwater!   

Note: This PhD is fully funded by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL). The duration of the funding is for 3.5 years. The funding covers ‘home’ tuition fees for UK residents and provides a stipend of £18,622 p.a. (with ~2.5% annual increase) in line with UKRI (UK Research and Innovation) student stipends. Excellent candidates ineligible for ‘home fees’ may be considered.   

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please reach out to the project supervisor/co-supervisor: Blair Thornton N.Thornton@soton.ac.uk, Melike Kurt M.Kurt@soton.ac.uk 

Entry Requirements

You must have an undergraduate degree in engineering (at least a UK 2:1 honour degree or its international equivalent). English-language skills are mandatory (minimum C1 level or equivalent).  

Desired Qualifications: A master’s degree in engineering or a related subject. Experience with mechatronics/robotics.  

Closing date: applications should be received no later than 31 March 2024, but later applications may be considered depending on the funds remaining in place. 

Funding: For UK students, ‘home’ Tuition Fees and a stipend for UK residents and provides a stipend of £18,622 tax-free per annum (with ~2.5% annual increase) for up to 3.5 years. Excellent candidates ineligible for ‘home fees’ may be considered.  

How To Apply

Apply online by clicking on the ‘Apply‘ button above. Select programme type (Research), 2024/25, Faculty of Physical Sciences and Engineering, next page select “PhD Engineering & Environment (Full time)”. In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor Blair Thornton 

Applications should include:

Curriculum Vitae

Two reference letters

Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date 

For further information please contact: feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk