Development of an EAP mechanism with precision and control capabilities
This project will focus on development of smart material based soft robotic systems and mechanisms.
Research Opportunities
Summary
Polymers such as Electroactive polymers (EAPs) can change shape and/or dimensions in response to an applied electric field. Generally, EAPs are categorized into ionic and electronic types. Ionic EAPs are stimulated through electrical activation by migration of ions or solvents and examples include Conducting Polymers (CPs) and Ionic Polymer-Metallic Composites (IPMCs). Examples of electronic EAPs include dielectric elastomers, electrostrictive polymers, liquid crystal polymers and piezoelectric polymers which are activated through electric fields and coulomb forces. EAPs have garnered significant interest through applications of soft actuators in robotics specially as artificial muscles. EAPs have also found applications as sensors to measure blood pressure, pulse rate monitoring and chemical sensing etc.
There are number of challenges in precisely sensing and controlling systems and mechanisms with EAP actuators and sensors. Specially two identical EAP actuators/sensors or mechanisms which are fabricated using identical process can have remarkably different behaviours. Additionally, the behaviour of a single EAP actuator/sensor can vary over time due to aging and degradation from repeated usage. Similarly, custom nonstandard EAP mechanisms can exhibit complex nonlinearities that hinder precise sensing and control. The afore mentioned issues are some of the challenges to be overcome before significant applications are developed in the field of robotics.
The aim of this research is to systematically develop an Electroactive Polymer system/mechanism with predictable characteristics and precision self-sensing/soft-sensing and control capabilities.
The key objectives of the proposed research problem can be given as:
- Investigate Electroactive polymers and other stimuli-responsive polymers suitable for the purpose of self-sensing/soft-sensing and control applications.
- Design and standardise a soft robotic benchmark system/mechanism to investigate the proposed fundamental issues.
- Characterise material properties to support sensing and control capabilities of the proposed benchmark system/mechanism.
- Determine, design and develop a suitable self-sensing/soft-sensing technique which can be fabricated/incorporated into the system/mechanism to measure the proposed state and physical quantity for control.
- Investigate modelling and control (model based & model free) techniques to perform precision control for position or force tracking, locomotion etc.
- Perform validation and consolidation of self-sensing and control characteristics through experimentation on the developed EAP benchmark mechanism.
Supervisors
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Research Themes
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It is not unusual for a proposed research degree topic to evolve as you progress through the application stage and even your future studies. This ensures the best match of your academic/professional experience with that of your supervisory team.
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Entry requirements
Entry Requirements for Research Degrees
Normal entry requirements are a first or upper second class honours degree from a University of the United Kingdom, or from an overseas University, or degree equivalent qualification, subject to the approval of Robert Gordon University.
Applicants holding other qualifications shall be considered on their merits and in relation to the nature and scope of the proposed research programme.
Applicants will normally register for an MSc/PhD or MRes/PhD with transfer to PhD dependent on satisfactory progress. However, applicants who already possess a Master’s degree which includes a significant research component could be registered directly for a PhD, subject to a satisfactory research proposal, and clear evidence of research expertise.
Some Research Degree Topics require employment experience, research experience and/or transcripts for international qualifications.
Contact researchdegrees@rgu.ac.uk to see if you are eligible.
English Language
Any applicant whose first language or language of previous University-level instruction is not English must normally demonstrate competence in English. This should be a score of IELTS 6.5 with 6.5 in all elements, or an approved equivalent.
We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:
Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact researchdegrees@rgu.ac.uk for further information.
Fees & Costs
For Academic Year 2024/2025
UK/EU Students
- Full time - £4,786 per academic year
- Part time MPhil/PhD - £2,870 per academic year
- Part time MRes/MSc by research - £2,390 per academic year
International Students
- Full time - £19,450 per academic year
- Part-time MPhil/PhD - £11,670 per academic year
- Part-time MRes/MSc by research - £9,720 per academic year
For Academic Year 2023/2024
UK/EU Students
- Full time - £4,712 per academic year
- Part time MPhil/PhD - £2,830 per academic year
- Part time MRes/MSc by research - £2,356 per academic year
International Students
- Full time - £18,700 per academic year
- Part-time MPhil/PhD - £11,220 per academic year
- Part-time MRes/MSc by research - £9,350 per academic year
Additional Costs
The following course-related costs are not included in the course fees:
- The cost of books that you may wish to purchase
- Accommodation and living costs
- Printing
Alumni Discount
Robert Gordon University is delighted to offer a 20% discount on course fees for all alumni who have graduated from RGU.
Scholarships and Financial Awards
Postgraduate research students will normally make their own arrangements for payment of fees. However you may qualify for a scholarship or financial award:
Funded Studentships
Occasionally, the University will also advertise available funded studentships, for very specific topics or subjects:
Disclaimer
For new intakes course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter. For further information see:
How to Apply
Applications
All applications should be made via the University's online application for research students.
Before you apply, find out more about the application process, research proposal writing guides, routes and durations:
Our Research degrees usually start in February and October each year. There are no formal deadlines for you to submit your application, though we recommend you submit it as early as possible in order to ensure we can help you join us at your preferred time.
Completed application forms should be accompanied by:
- Degree certificate
- Statement of purpose, detailing why you would like to study this degree in the UK, and why you have chosen RGU.
- A short research proposal, in the range of 1,500 - 3,000 words, containing a rationale and background, study aims and objectives, a literature review, proposed research methods and a full reference list.
Further guidance on the application process:
English Language Requirements
All applicants whose first language is not from a recognised English speaking country will be asked to provide evidence of their English language skills as part of their offer to study at RGU.
Find out more about the English language qualification we accept:
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