Dielectric elastomer generators (DEGs), consisting of dielectric elastomers and compliant electrodes, can generate electrical power through reciprocating mechanical deformation. Compared to conventional wave energy converters (WECs), DEGs offer significant advantages, such as their lightweight nature, ease of maintenance, high energy density, and flexibility of installation. DEGs can be considered the reverse process of dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs), which generate mechanical motions by applying electricity. DEAs have achieved a mature stage of development, with applications in various fields such as robotics and multifunctional wearables. DEGs, however, are still progressing from concept to product, particularly for large-scale applications like wave energy conversion. Despite their significant promise for wave energy harvesting, challenges must be overcome to make DEGs viable. These include enhancing the survivability of DEG materials in harsh environments, improving resistance of DEG materials to fatigue under cyclic mechanical and electrical cycles, and ameliorating designs that maximise the working lifetime of DEG materials.

This research aims to revolutionise DEG-based WECs from the perspectives of both materials science and electrical engineering. Leveraging the state-of-the-art material fabrication and characterisation facilities at the University of Manchester, novel material systems will be developed and characterised. The optimised materials will be evaluated to ensure that they meet the design requirements for wave energy converters (WECs). The high-voltage (HV) facilities at the University of Manchester enable the development of electrical testing methods to validate the use of DEGs for wave energy conversion in real-time applications.

Overall, this PhD research project aims to overcome critical technological barriers to develop next-generation wave energy harvesting. DEG-based WECs represent a cross-disciplinary research topic and provide an excellent opportunity for a PhD student to collaborate with scientists from Materials and EEE. This study is expected to generate high-impact publications, with a strong potential for the widespread industrial adoption of DEGs for the first time.

Before you apply: We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisor(s) for this project before you apply.

How to apply: To be considered for this project you’ll need to complete a formal application through our online application portal. This link should directly open an application for FSE Bicentenary PhD . Please select University of Manchester funding in the funding section of the form.

When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project , the name of your proposed supervisor/s , details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees . You are also required to upload your CV and a Personal Statement describing your motivation for applying for the project.

Your application cannot be processed without all of the required documents, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines where applications are incomplete.

Equality, diversity and inclusion: Equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and are at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact. We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.

We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder).

Eligibility

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering related discipline.

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