postgraduate courses and research

engineering and management

Liverpool John Moores University

Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU)...is an industry focused University located in the heart of the city of Liverpool. LJMU is ranked among the world’s top 400 Universities by the ‘Times’ and is located in one of the most exciting, affordable student cities in the UK. The School of Engineering, Technology and Maritime Operations at LJMU has a long, distinguished history of teaching and applied research. We offer excellent teaching and laboratory facilities, a range of industrially relevant engineering courses, supportive staff and a thriving international student community. The School has approximately 1200 students, employs around 130 staff and all teaching, professional training and knowledge transfer activity is supported by high quality applied research and collaboration with national and international companies.

Masters courses in

Manufacturing

Mechanical Engineering

Electrical Engineering and Electronic Engineering

Marine and Offshore Engineering

Professional post graduate training courses for industry in

Risk and Safety Management

Power Asset Management

World-leading application orientated research in

Electrical Engineering

Microelectronics

Marine Offshore Technology Logistics

Mechanical Engineering

Materials

Advanced Manufacturing

the school of engineering technology and maritime operations

resea

rch

research

microelectronics LJMU has been involved in research in the area of microelectronics at an international level for over twenty years. The research is carried out in three areas:

New materials and devices for future microelectronic industry

Quality assessment and device lifetime prediction

New characterisation techniques and device variability

The work has concentrated on investigating potential obstacles to the development of mainstream technologies such as CMOS and Flash memories. Current projects include; germanium high speed transistors, high-k dielectrics for flash memory, novel techniques for evaluating carrier mobility, bias temperature instabilities and device variability. Partners include IMEC, Intel, Samsung and Cambridge University and research is supported by grants from the UK Engineering and Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC) and industry. The group has state-of-the-art high speed and automated test facilities.resea

rch

electric machines and drives The Electric Machines and Drives research is focussed on variable-speed electric drive systems, variable-speed electrical power generation plants for renewable energy sources and power electronic converters for interfacing variable-speed generators to the national power grid. Research covers modelling, control and implementation in a wide range of industrial applications, including the development and testing of multiphase (more than three phases) variable speed motor/generator systems and the development of corresponding power electronic interfacing systems.

The research expertise includes:

• Modelling of complex electric machine structures with an emphasis on multiphase topologies

• Development of high-performance control algorithms for three-phase and multiphase variable speed electric drives

• Control of wind energy generation systems

• Development of algorithms for pulse width modulation in conjunction with dc/ac three-phase and multiphase converters

• Multi-motor variable speed drive systems based on both three-phase and multiphase machines

The expertise and laboratory facilities are focussed on new green energy sources and the energy saving industry particularly remote offshore wind power generation. In such cases the generation system becomes completely decoupled from the grid so that the development and utilization of generators and converters with more than three phases becomes desirable. Such generating systems can provide much better fault tolerance than conventional three-phase generators and provide better performance characteristics due to the reduction of the required per-phase current/power rating in multiphase systems. Facilities in the research laboratories include:

• A range of multiphase (up to nine phases) two-level and three-level voltage source inverters

• A range of three-phase, five-phase and six-phase ac induction and synchronous machines

• A number of control platforms, including dSPACE and Texas Instruments digital signal processors

• High-quality measuring equipment including spectrum analysers, current probes, and digital oscilloscopes

• Dc drive system for wind turbine emulation

• Test beds for variable-speed drive systems in various configurations

Research outcomes are published in high impact journals and conferences such as IEEE Transactions and key partners include: Texas A&M University, University of Seville, Politecnico di Torino, University of Lille, University of Gdansk, University of Bologna and the University of Manchester. The work is supported by grants from the UK Engineering and Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC) and industry.

advanced manufacturing Manufacturing research has focussed on machining processes with particular emphasis on abrasive processes in precision grinding and ultra-precision grinding. The research focus is on collaboration with industry to reduce production costs by increasing machine throughput times and improving product quality. Research partners include companies such as Rolls Royce, Airbus, Getrag-Ford, Timken Bearings, Goodrich, Jones and Shipman, Holroyd, De Beers, Universal Grinding Wheels, Wendt Boart and Castrol. Every research project aims to develop a deeper understanding of the process and to apply the latest technological advances to ensure industrial partners optimise manufacturing operations and remain competitive.

Research skills and manufacturing expertise includes:

• Mathematical modelling of processes

• Cost analysis

• Process optimisation for improved quality and increased productivity

• Adaptive control

• High-speed machining/grinding

• Machine-tool design

• Grinding wheel design

• Abrasive technology – conventional and superabrasive

• Cutting fluid (coolant) delivery

• Process monitoring and control

• In-process gauging and measurement

industrial risk and safety The School of Engineering at LJMU has a long and distinguished history of providing maritime training, education and research that began in Liverpool Nautical College in 1892. The University’s Maritime Academy brings together world class research, professional consulting and advanced simulation facilities.

The Liverpool Logistics, Offshore and Marine Research Institute is the research arm of the Academy and has established itself as a world leading research unit in marine, offshore and transport studies. The Institute has a dedicated building equipped with the UK’s only 360 degree ships bridge simulator and a wide range of transport modelling and safety decision making software, including the SCANNer and IDS (Intelligent Decision System). A distinctive strength of the research is security and risk based design and operation of nuclear and offshore installations, port systems and supply chains.

Research areas include:

• Port operations management (channel traffic capacity, automation systems)

• Logistics and supply chain management (sustainable logistics, dry ports, short sea shipping and inland navigation)

• Risk and safety management and asset management for high risk products and installations. navigation risk and port security, Container supply chain safety assessment and management and offshore/nuclear/chemical installation safety assessment

The industrial application of the work is supported through collaboration with industrial and regulatory organisations including Maersk Line, Peel Group, Shell, ABS Group, UK Health and Safety Executive and Maritime and Coast Guard Agency and by the participation of its members in various research and professional bodies including IMarEST and SaRS. Key research partners include: World Maritime University, Lille University of Technology, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Incheon University and Manchester University.

The Institute delivers industrial training for the high risk operations in the defence, aerospace, nuclear, offshore and chemical industries. In collaboration with Risktec Solutions Ltd, the Institute has developed an MSc in Risk and Safety Management. The course combines the research informed teaching with the practical experience of professional operations management staff in the risk and safety field.

materials and design This multi-disciplinary area brings together expertise in mechanical and electrical engineering design, materials and advanced engineering mathematics to undertake research in materials, manufacturing process technologies, product design and control systems.

Current international research projects include Materials Development and Processing, The Mechanics of Biological and Biologically Inspired Materials, Contact and Fracture Mechanics in Design and Sport and Biomedical Engineering. The work has attracted, funding from the EPSRC, HEFCE, NHS, DTI, Royal Society of Engineering, UK Materials Education Centre. Many of the projects involve collaboration with partners from a wide range of industries including automotive, aerospace, energy, packaging, sport and medical engineering. The research has supported two UK business awards for knowledge transfer and postgraduate students have found jobs in multinational companies and world leading research organisations.

Areas of expertise include:

• Experimental and numerical structural integrity analysis and Inverse FE modelling of nonlinear material properties. Fracture mechanics, investigating asymptotic and numerical modelling of faults and thermal striping. This work is important in the nuclear industry where it is necessary to understand the effect of thermal loads on cracks and other defects in a metallic structure such as a reactor pressure vessel.

• Precision machining in terms of tool material development and micro structural modelling in cutting tool materials. The deformation mechanisms of materials in machining processes, temperature measurement and inverse FE modelling.

• Moulding and composite/Plastics processing. In situ property characterisation of plastics, composites and packaging materials. The mechanics of biological tissues and systems for cancer treatment development. FE modelling for design optimisation.

control systems Research includes the methodological development of Nonlinear Model Predictive Control (NMPC), neural network adaptive control and fault tolerant control together with applications in modelling, control, fault detection and the optimisation of industrial systems. The work involves developing new engine control strategies and techniques for automotive engines including fuel injection control, ignition timing and idle speed control, automatic calibration, engine air-leak detection and on-board fault diagnosis. Spark ignition engine control and monitoring has been supported by BMW (Munich, Germany) and work on engine air path fault diagnosis and fault tolerant control is ongoing. In the process industry real-time monitoring and adaptive model predictive control and has been applied to multivariable nonlinear chemical reactors.

• Laboratories are equipped with a wide range of computational test and experimental facilities, a modern product design and development lab and a high performance cluster computer system.

• Materials Development applied to new cutting tools for difficult-to-machine materials: Wear resistant workpiece materials, negative Poisson’s ratio materials. metastable composite materials.

masterscourses

masters courses (MSc) Courses are designed to ensure that graduates have the knowledge and

understanding to be able to specialise in their chosen field. Our aim is to provide

an educational experience which develops engineers and technologists who are

capable of applying their knowledge, creativity and innovation skills in a modern,

professional engineering environment. Courses are informed by the latest thinking

and techniques and supported by application-oriented research. Our graduates

are highly sought after by employers, and many occupy senior positions within

major UK and international companies. maste

rs

maste

rs

MSc engineering design The MSc Engineering Design has been designed by professional Engineers to develop graduates with an innovative and practical approach to engineering design. The course covers the practical application of computer aided design and analysis tools, materials and process engineering, and project management. The curriculum is delivered using design problems taken from the automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, and marine and offshore sectors (Approved by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)).

MSc manufacturing engineering The MSc Manufacturing Engineering is designed to develop expertise in advanced manufacturing engineering and management. The University has a long established reputation in the area of advanced manufacturing especially in precision machining for the aerospace sector. The course covers high precision machining processes, advanced materials processing, automation, quality control and management. (Approved by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)).

MSc power and control The MSc in Power and Control Engineering aims to develop the electrical power engineers needed to design and develop electrical propulsion and generation systems in areas such as ships, wind power generation, electric/hybrid vehicles, and aircraft. The course combines study of electric power systems, electric drives and control using modern modelling and simulation tools and laboratory work. (Approved by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)).

MSc telecommunications engineering The MSc in Telecommunications Engineering is designed to be directly relevant to the current needs of an industry sector which has undergone significant technological advancements in the last few years. The course develops theoretical and practical knowledge and skills in the main areas of telecommunications engineering such as: wireless communications, communication networks, fibre optics and advanced signal processing. This course provides graduates with in-depth knowledge of telecommunication networks, communication systems, and project & finance management to work effectively in this global industry. (Approved by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).

MSc microelectronic systems design Microelectronics design is a growing industry in the UK which now has a number of world class design companies such as Arm Holdings, Cambridge Silicon Radio (CSR) Ltd and Wolfson Microelectronics. This course is aimed at graduate engineers in electrical and electronic engineering. It covers the design process from VLSI circuit design through to fabrication and testing, dealing with key design issues including device complexity, integration, variability and verification. Modern design tools are used to simulate and optimise circuits with both analogue and digital signal components. (Approved by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)).

MSc marine and offshore engineeringThis course is designed for both professional seagoing engineers and undergraduate marine engineers. The programme of study maintains the reputation the School has for delivering courses to satisfy the requirements of the marine and maritime sector. Recent, significant increases in marine and offshore engineering research within the School underpin the programme. The course covers maritime and offshore safety, marine design, offshore engineering and offshore structural analysis with optional studies in topics such as maritime law, safety, reliability and risk management and marine insurance.

masters courses for practicing professional engineers

MSc power asset management MSc Power Asset Management is aimed at professional engineers involved in electrical power distribution. It combines the experience of EA Technology, one of the industry’s leading providers of power asset management consultancy, services and products and the research expertise of the School of Engineering, Technology and Maritime Operations. The course has been developed following extensive consultation with industry experts and is delivered by industry practitioners to ensure that it reflects the most current thinking and the latest practice in energy generation and distribution.

The course is designed for practicing engineers and has been created with a flexible modular structure using three day blocks. The course is delivered and EA Technology’s excellent training facilities at Capenhurst, near Chester and at the School of Engineering, Technology and Maritime Operations in Liverpool. These sessions are backed by extensive self-directed learning and the application of this learning in the participant’s workplace.

Overseas companies have the option of block booking bespoke courses for their engineers to provide cost effective training in a concise and time-efficient package.

MSc risk and safety management The MSc in Risk & Safety Management is designed for professional engineers involved in the defence, aerospace, nuclear, offshore and chemical fields. The course has been designed in partnership with Risktec Solutions a leading provider of professional consulting, training and education in the fields of health, safety, security and environmental (HSSE) risk assessment and management. The course is of particular interest to graduates developing a specialisation in safety engineering or those who wish to acquire risk management expertise to underpin their engineering management skills. The course is designed for practicing engineers using flexible modular delivery in three to five day blocks and is taught at Risktec’s excellent facilities in Warrington, Cheshire and at the School of Engineering, Technology and Maritime Operations in Liverpool .

postgraduate student perspectives

Ben Matellini Ben is studying risk-based fire and rescue management systems - The research uses mathematical models to develop and test, risk-based fire models under conditions of uncertainty. The results will improve decision making and enable UK fire and rescue organisations move towards a risk-based asset management regime.

My time at LJMU has been enjoyable both from a work and social perspective. The facilities are great, but what really makes the university tick are its friendly and supportive staff.

Andrew NorburyAndrew is involved in research into a novel method of temperature measurement and Finite Element modelling to determine the thermal history of heat affected zones in welding processes and the effect on the strength of welded joints.

The work has given me transferable skills in materials, design and manufacturing which has greatly enhanced my job prospects in a variety of industries.

Jensen AwJensen is carrying out numerical and experimental studies into the properties of plastics used in packaging. The research involves material characterisation and development, Finite Element modelling and product development.

I choose postgraduate study at LJMU as it is interesting, relevant and offers direct industrial and commercial involvement. Most importantly this interdisciplinary project offers very good job opportunities.

Sharifah Wan Muhamad HattaSharifa is studying the reliability of MOS devices, using experimental techniques to investigate degradation and defect characterization of CMOS devices, particularly of high-k layers. The research will significantly add to the knowledge of advanced-process high-k CMOS device performance.

I am working with an immensely inspiring and intellectually stimulating team, thanks to the trained researchers and supervisors. The engaging discussions we have has helped me to grow professionally and personally. As for the university, the students and staff alike are friendly and helpful – which makes it easier for an international student like me to fit in..

contact The School of Engineering, Technology and Maritime Operations

(http://www.ljmu.ac.uk/ENG/)

at

Liverpool John Moores University (www.ljmu.ac.uk)

research activitiesHead of Research Byrom Street Liverpool L3 3AF

tel: +44 (0) 151 231 2777 email: engineering@ljmu.ac.uk

web: www.ljmu.ac.uk

postgraduate admissionsPostgraduate Admissions Tutor Byrom Street Liverpool L3 3AF

tel: +44 (0) 151 231 2777email: engineering@ljmu.ac.uk b

lahd

bla

hdes

ign

1018

0