PhD Research Studentship
School of Engineering and Built Environment
Reference Number: SEBE_2015_4
Preparation and Characterisation of Novel Soft Magnetic
Nano-Composites as Artificial Ferrites for High Frequency and High Temperature
Applications
Studentship Project Title:
Applications are invited for a full-time PhD research studentship at Glasgow Caledonian University within
the school of Engineering and Built Environment. The studentship is for a period of three years - subject
to satisfactory progress - and provides payment of tuition fees at the UK/EU rate plus an annual stipend
of £14,800 [please note that students from outside the EU are required to pay the difference between the
International and EU fees, currently this would amount to £7,100 per annum which, if required, can be
deducted from the student annual stipend]. The successful candidate will carry out up to 6 hours of
academic-related work per week as part of their research training.
Research Discipline
Materials for Energy Applications
Research Theme
Energy and Power Systems
Research Project Summary
In many parts of power electronics, a ferrite core is used in order to transform the alternating electrical current
to a desired voltage. These ferrite cores are designed to have high magnetic permeability coupled with low
electrical conductivity in order to prevent eddy currents and losses. The currently available ferrite cores feature
acceptable losses at limited frequencies and they are extensively used as inductive cores of in RF transformers,
inductors in power applications such as switched-mode power supplies and ferrite loopstick antennas for AM
radio receivers.
This project will focus on the design, preparation, investigation and application of novel Soft Magnetic NanoComposites (SMNC) materials having superior magnetic properties to the currently available conventional
ferrite cores in the 1MHz-10GHz frequency region and at high operational temperatures. These SMNC
materials would be tested for usage in some of the applications such as high frequency power electronics,
directing magnetic fluids, and possibly as a means of active drug delivery and materials for medical MRI
contrast agents.
Candidate required having a strong knowledge in material science, especially in composite materials.
Knowledge and experience in power electronics is beneficial. The research work will be carried out in
collaboration with H-ION R&D&I Ltd. (Hungary), therefore some off-campus work will be required.
Staff Contact
Prof Mahmoud El-Sharif
Email: mel2@gcu.ac.uk
Tel: 0141 331 3531
Candidate Background
The candidate should possess a relevant 1st or 2.1 honours degree. Candidates whose first language is
not English are expected to hold a current IELTS qualification (or equivalent) with an overall score of 6.5
with no element below 6.0
How to Apply
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Applicants should complete the University Research Application Form, available from
http://www.gcu.ac.uk/research/postgraduateresearchopportunities/ under “How to Apply”
Please send the form, stating the studentship project title and reference number, with a CV, copies of
academic qualifications, references, and any other required documentation to:
researchapplications@gcu.ac.uk
At GCU we are committed to promoting a flexible, accessible and inclusive working
environment. Anticipated flexible work patterns for PhD students can be discussed with the project
supervisory team at the interview stage.
The closing date for applications is 22nd May 2015
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