PhD in Design of Protection Systems through the use of Artificial Intelligence

3 weeks ago


Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom The University of Edinburgh Full time

Predicting the dynamic response of materials and structures to high ­energy ballistic impacts is a fundamental component of the development and design of fit-­for-­purpose armour and protection systems. Understanding the ballistic response of protection systems conventionally involves impacting these with a range of projectiles under various impact conditions in costly experimental campaigns. This is often combined with high-fidelity Finite Element Analyses (FEA), which contribute to a complete dynamic characterisation of the system and allows more system configurations to be assessed. The timescales for approving armour systems can be long but, in times of conflict, rapid assessment and development of protection systems is required as new threats are encountered, using materials available on operations. To support development of complex multi-layered systems and to inform rapid decision-making, this project will develop advanced Machine Learning (ML) architectures that learn directly from a combination of ballistic test data and FEA simulation results.

The main aims of the project are to: investigate the use of Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) models to predict the ballistic response of multi-layered armour systems, comprising a diverse range of materials, to a range of ballistic impacts; and to understand the use of Generative Adversarial Networks (GAN) to supplement sparse ballistic datasets and attempt to reverse this method to predict key design parameters for armour systems. An assessment of whether a set of conditional GAN can be used to condition the current network on additional auxiliary information or design requirements that refer to a specific property relevant to the ballistic data will also be conducted. This adaptable method will allow networks to generate not only samples specific to the class label given, but also to generate data for classes that are not present in the training set and conduct their own material characteristic campaign.

Further Information:

The University of Edinburgh is committed to equality of opportunity for all its staff and students, and promotes a culture of inclusivity. Please see details here:

To apply, click the 'Apply' button



  • Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom The University of Edinburgh Full time

    The burgeoning field of synthetic biology offers promising avenues for engineering artificial cells with tailored functionalities for diverse biomedical applications. This PhD project aims to explore novel strategies for designing and constructing synthetic cells capable of performing complex tasks, mimicking natural cellular behaviors, and interfacing with...

  • PhD Studentship

    20 hours ago


    Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom The University of Edinburgh Full time

    Eligibility: Minimum entry qualification - an Honours degree at 2:1 or above (or International equivalent) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, or closely related discipline, possibly supported by an MSc Degree. Further information on English language requirements for EU/Overseas applicants.The Project: Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, together with the...

  • PhD Studentship

    4 weeks ago


    Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom The University of Edinburgh Full time

    The Institute for Energy Systems, School of Engineering, at the University of Edinburgh, is inviting applications for the following fully-funded PhD project, expected to commence on 1st September 2024.This advert may close early if a suitable candidate is identified. Early application is therefore encouraged.Project Background:Join the frontier of zero...

  • PhD Studentship

    1 month ago


    Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom The University of Edinburgh Full time

    The advent of Industry 4.0 has ushered in a new era of manufacturing, marked by the integration of advanced technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and digital twins. This research project will investigate the methodologies and technologies necessary to create an accurate and dynamic digital twin that reflects the...


  • Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom The University of Edinburgh Full time

    Open-ended (permanent), Full-time (35 hours per week) Child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA) is a global problem that requires a global response. However, the lack of reliable and comprehensive data relating to CSEA is a major inhibitor to developing more effective and evidence driven prevention and response strategies and policies. The appointed...


  • Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom The University of Edinburgh Full time

    Deadline: 1st June 2024 (or until position is filled)One fully funded PhD position to work with Dr Adriana Sejfia in the School of Informatics at the University of Edinburgh, on a project titled "Secure and Private Software Engineering".The aim of this project is to develop automated techniques that help software engineers with their security and privacy...

  • PhD Studentship

    1 month ago


    Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom The University of Edinburgh Full time

    Sensor networks, sensor fusion and management techniques address key challenges in intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR). Opportunities in adaptive data-driven sensor tasking and resource management include adaptive sensor placement, adaptive waveform design to reflect the target reflection characteristics and channel...


  • Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom The University of Edinburgh Full time

    Deadline: 6th of May (or until the position is filled)One fully funded PhD position to work with Dr. Susan Lechelt and Prof. Ewa Luger in the School of Informatics at the University of Edinburgh on a project titled "Scripted Production Futures in the Age of AI". The project will be supported by an industry partner: BBC R&D.As AI evolves at an unprecedented...

  • AHRC PhD Studentship

    3 weeks ago


    Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom Edinburgh College of Art Full time

    Funding for: Home and International applicantsFunding amount: PhD tuition fees and annual stipend at the UKRI rate (£19,237 for 2024/25) for 4 years full-time (pro-rata part-time), plus the half London weighting of £1,000 plus CDP maintenance payment and V&A travel expenses.The University of Edinburgh and the Victoria and Albert Museum, London (V&A) are...


  • Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom The University of Edinburgh Full time

    Contract type - Fixed term - 3 yearsFull time - 35 hours per weekPosts x 4The opportunity:The School of Engineering seeks to appoint four Research Associates in Causal AI. These Research Associate positions will contribute to the EPSRC funded CHAI AI Hub and the VIOS group at the University of Edinburgh.We are looking for enthusiastic postdoctoral...

  • PhD Studentship

    1 month ago


    Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom The University of Edinburgh Full time

    A major challenge for defence & security laser systems is managing the heat generated and differential thermal expansion of the different components in the system. A compounding challenge is the vast range of ambient temperatures in which these systems need to operate without thermal distortion. However, additive manufacturing gives the unique opportunity to...


  • Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom The University of Edinburgh Full time

    Evaporating arrays of droplets have attracted a lot of attention for their potential applications in areas such as microfluidics and surface patterning. When many droplets evaporate near each other, in an array, their individual local environments begin to interact and change the evaporation rates of their neighboring droplets. This means that as the droplet...


  • Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom The University of Edinburgh Full time

    Continuum mechanics approaches have been used to model the mechanical behaviour of biological (and active) systems at length scales that are large enough.For example, when analysed at the micron-scale, biological membranes can be treated as continuum objects that deform regulated by effective properties such as curvature mismatch or active forces. Those...


  • Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom The University of Edinburgh Full time

    Open Ended (Contract Review Date aligned to funding) Full-time, 35 hpw Child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA) is a global problem that requires a global response. However, the lack of reliable and comprehensive data relating to CSEA is a major inhibitor to developing more effective and evidence driven prevention and response strategies and policies. The...


  • Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom The University of Edinburgh Full time

    Principal Supervisor: Dr Khushboo PandeyEligibility: The candidate should have a master's degree in either Physics or Engineering.Minimum entry qualification - an Honours degree at 2:1 or above (or International equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering discipline, possibly supported by an MSc Degree. Further information on English language...


  • Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom The University of Edinburgh Full time

    The projections of sea level rise show that UK sea level will continue to rise well beyond 2100, even under scenarios where future temperature rise is stopped. Extreme sea level events are also expected to become more frequent in the future and occurring about 20 to 30 times more frequently by the year 2050, according to Intergovernmental Panel on Climate...

  • KEI Manager

    1 month ago


    Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom The University of Edinburgh Full time

    Open-ended, full-time (35 hours per week) Organization description:Edinburgh College of Art is a vibrant and diverse community of approximately 200 researchers working across the arts, humanities and social sciences. Our research takes place across our five subject areas as well as our two major centres – The Institute of Design Informatics and OPENspace...


  • Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom The University of Edinburgh Full time

    Contract Type - Fixed-Term - 2 yearsFull-time - 35 Hours Per WeekWe are looking for a Scientific Administrator and Liaison Officer to deliver the scientific aims of the Centre through day-to-day management of one of its major international collaborations, the Autism Rat Consortium (ARC). Applicant should have extensive research experience showing knowledge...


  • Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom The University of Edinburgh Full time

    Efficient spray atomization plays a notable role in society, ranging from effective medical delivery, to product manufacturing, to cleaner propulsion systems. Primary breakup – the process of disintegrating an intact liquid core into large droplets, called primary drops – is the first consequential first step of atomization, but is also the least well...


  • Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom The University of Edinburgh Full time

    Full-time: 35 hours per weekFixed-term: for 3 yearsVacancies available: 2, based in the Roslin Institute, EdinburghWe are inviting applications for Postdoctoral Research Associate/Fellow positions (2 in Edinburgh/3 in Nottingham) to join an exciting new research programme (iBreed) funded by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to develop a novel in vitro...