EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systems

Started

Energy Efficiency(Transport)
Not Energy Related

Training

PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Chemistry)
PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Physics)
ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Electrical and Electronic Engineering)
ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Chemical Engineering)
ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering)
SOCIAL SCIENCES (Economics and Econometrics)
SOCIAL SCIENCES (Sociology)

Not Cross-cutting
Other (Energy technology information dissemination)

Dr C Brace
Mechanical Engineering
University of Bath

Standard

EPSRC

01 April 2019

30 September 2027

102 months

£6,500,324

Energy; Transport Systems and Vehicles

South West

Non Theme Specific

Dr C Brace, Mechanical Engineering, University of Bath

Dr S Akehurst, Mechanical Engineering, University of Bath
Professor C Budd, Mathematical Sciences, University of Bath
Dr R D Burke, Mechanical Engineering, University of Bath
Dr MC McManus, Mechanical Engineering, University of Bath
Professor JWG Turner, Mechanical Engineering, University of Bath
Dr P Wilson, Electronics and Computer Science, University of Southampton

The CDT in Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systems will produce the graduates who will bring together the many technical disciplines and skills needed to allow propulsion systems to transition to a more sustainable future.By creating an environment for our graduates to research new propulsion systems and the wider context within which they sit, we will form the individuals who will lead the scientific, technological, and behavioural changes required to effect the transformation of personal mobility.The CDT will become an internationally leading centre for interdisciplinary doctoral training in this critical field for UK industrial strategy. We will train a cohort of 84 high quality research leaders, adding value to academia and the UK automotive industry.There are three key aspects to the success of the CDT -First, a diverse range of graduates will be recruited from across the range of first degrees. Graduates in engineering (mechanical, electrical, chemical), sciences (physics, chemistry, mathematics, biology), management and social sciences will be recruited and introduced to the automotive propulsion sector. The resulting skills mix will allow transformational research to be conducted.Second, the training given to this cohort, re-enforced by a strong group working ethos, will prepare the graduates to make an effective contribution to the industry. This will require training in the current and future methods (technical and commercial) used by the industry. We also need the graduates to have highly developed interpersonal skills and to be experienced in effective group working. Understanding how people and companies work is just as important as an understanding the technology. On the technology side, a broad system level understanding of the technology landscape and the relationship between the big picture and the graduate's own expertise is essential. We have designed a programme that enriches the student's knowledge and experience in these key areas.Third, underpinning all of these attributes will be the graduate's research skills, acquired through the undertaking of an intensive research project within the new 60 million Institute for Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systems (IAAPS), designed from the outset to provide a rich collaborative environment and add value to the UK economy. IAAPS will be equipped with world leading experimental facilities designed for future powertrain systems and provides dedicated space for industry and academia to collaborate to deliver research valued at over 100 million during the lifetime of the CDT.The cohort will contribute to and benefit from this knowledge development, providing opportunities to conduct research at a whole system level. This will address one of the most pressing challenges of our age - the struggle to provide truly sustainable, affordable, connected, zero emissions transport needed by both industrialised and emerging economies. To enable these benefits we request funding for 40studentships and the infrastructure to provide a world class training environment. The university will enhance this through the funding of an additional 20 studentships and access to research facilities, together valued at 5 million. Cash and in-kind contributions from industrial partners valued at a total of 4.5 million will enhance the student experience, providing 9 fully funded PhD places and 30 half funded places. The research undertaken by the students will be co-created and supervised by our industrial partners. The people and research outputs that from the CDT will be adopted directly by these industrial partners to generate lasting real world impact

15/08/19