[Physics][Mathematics][Computer] PhD (Cranfield University, UK)

PhD Studentship
Sensor System and Countermeasure Model Fidelity Analysis Department of Informatics and SensorsFunded PhD studentship is available within the Radar Systems Group, Department of Informatics and Sensors in the Defence College of Management and Technology, Cranfield University, Shrivenham, Swindon, UK.
The development of models of complex defensive systems relies heavily on the ability to understand and model the environment, vehicles and sensors; and the interactions and behaviour of any objects and sensors with their environment. A model is, by definition, an approximation to the system under investigation and is therefore always subject to error. It is important to understand how these errors and inaccuracies behave with time, and most importantly, their dependence on and sensitivity to other modelled objects and phenomena.

Conceptually the better the model ‘fidelity’, the more faithful the model is to the actual system. Unfortunately, the concept of ‘fidelity’ is highly subjective, and needs to be quantified. It must also be bounded with respect to other models in the system and the model performance requirements in order to validate the entire model system. If satisfactory model validation cannot be demonstrated, no confidence can be placed on conclusions derived from the model outputs.

The Ph.D. programme will study the fundamental theory of model fidelity and how different models can be compared and relative fidelity assessed, and if possible quantified. The trade-offs between model processing times and anticipated fidelity, and how fidelity of all system models can be ‘balanced’ is very important. The critical relationship between designed fidelity and the resultant performance prediction errors will form a key area of study.

Cranfield University
Cranfield is the largest academic centre for postgraduate studies in science and technology in Western Europe. Focused on developing applied research to meet the demands of industry, Cranfield is ranked among the very best and attracts far more industrial funding than its peers.Application The research program is for 3-years and the candidates should be from the UK and should hold at least a 2:1 honours degree or equivalent in Mathematics, Engineering, Physics or Computer Science and desire to study in such a multidisciplinary and challenging field. An Application Form can be downloaded from http://www.cranfield.ac.uk/dcmt/acreg/forms/appl%20for%20pg%20study%20a4%20current.pdf

The application form, CV and the names and addresses of two referees should be posted to: Mrs J Smyth, DoIS, Cranfield University, DCMT, Shrivenham, Swindon, SN6 8LA.
For further information about the studentship please contact Dr. E.J.Hughes at e.j.hughes@cranfield.ac.uk or Tel: 01793 785255.Closing Date: 31st October 2008