Framework for Manufacturing Prognostics PhD

This PhD project aims to address one of the key challenges in the manufacturing industry: increasing productivity by utilizing equipment at its optimum performance and without any stoppages.

In most industries, OEM specifications are used to maintain equipment and machinery, which are often based on schedules and preventive strategies. It has been observed that equipment or machine components are maintained on these schedules even without a need for repair or replacement. In addition, the stoppages required to execute scheduled strategies also increase production cost and reduce the true potential of productivity.

In this PhD research, a framework for manufacturing prognostics will be proposed to address this challenge, with a focus on manufacturing industries located in Kuwait. The framework will connect productivity, cost, equipment workability, and product quality. The utilisation of near real-time equipment inspections and its impact on production will be quantified. The proposed framework will be validated by implementing it on a selected manufacturing sector.

The research will be conducted within the Through-life Engineering Services (TES) Centre at Cranfield University, which is among the world leaders in through-life approaches for high value systems, condition monitoring, damage tolerance, and asset management. TES was developed with EPSRC grant support of £11 million and provides academic and research services to industrial clients including Boeing, BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, Meggitt, Thales, MOD, Bombardier, QinetiQ, Network Rail, Schlumberger and Alstom.

Entry Requirements:
- A minimum of a 2:1 first degree in a relevant discipline/subject area
- A minimum English language proficiency (IELTS overall minimum score of 6.5)
- Excellent analytical, reporting and communication skills
- Self-motivated, independent and able to work as a team player
- Genuine enthusiasm for the subject and technology
- Willingness to publish research findings in international journals

Funding: Self-funded. Financial support opportunities are available via Cranfield's funding finder.

Supervisor: Dr Muhammad Khan

Duration: 3 years

Eligibility: UK, EU, Rest of world