Department of Engineering

PhD in: Micro- and nano-tribology

Principal Investigator:
Prof J A Williams

Project Details:
Micro-Systems Technology has been described as a disruptive technology changing dramatically the form of established technological solutions as well as opening up new areas for commercial exploitation. The worldwide market for MST, principally in the form of MEMS, currently stands at ca. 15 bn and is increasing at an annual rate of approximately 16%. To achieve this potential it is essential to design devices with predictable levels of performance and reliability; when moving or articulating elements are involved this demands an understanding of friction and wear at the smallest of scales.
The research will focus on:

• the development of novel techniques of tribological measurement at the microscale
• the acquisition of reliable performance data on realistically engineered surfaces in the form required by MEMS designers
• improving our understanding of the physical and chemical mechanisms that control tribological function in MEMS devices.

Background Required:
Applicants should have a 1st or 2.1 degree in Engineering or Physical Sciences.

Funding Source:
The studentship includes the payment of home tuition fees and a tax-free maintenance stipend of £12,600 per year for three years. A significant part of the programme of work is likely to be carried out at the National Physical Laboratory at Teddington.

Application Deadline:
30 April 2008

For further information and to apply contact:

| MMD | CUED | University | Search MMD |

© 2005 Cambridge University Engineering Department (CUED) Information provided by www-mech