Superconducting bearings for high-speed machines
Would you like to contribute to building a sustainable low-emissions future? High power-density superconducting motors and generators are being actively studied as solutions for powering future large-scale electric aircraft. At Robinson Research Institute we have recently constructed and tested a high-speed superconducting motor/generator at up to 18 000 revolutions per minute (rpm). At such high speeds, heat caused by bearing friction is a major problem and limits the running time of the motor.
Non-contact superconducting magnetic levitation bearings offer a solution to this problem. These bearings have been studied in our Institute at a fundamental level, and we have demonstrated working bearings at speeds over 100 000 rpm. Now the goal is to translate this technology into our motor. This project will concern the design, build and evaluation of a suitable mag-lev bearing for our prototype motor.
We welcome applications for a student to join our dynamic team at the Robinson Research Institute of Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand’s premier research centre in superconductivity.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Have an engineering or science degree equivalent to the 4-year Honours degree in New Zealand, with 1st class or 2nd class (1st division) Honours, or an MSc/MEng or equivalent with high grades.
- Satisfy the requirements for admission as a PhD candidate at Victoria University of Wellington including English language requirements.
We are seeking a highly motivated person with an excellent academic record, a good understanding of electrical engineering or an applied physics background with passion to contribute the cutting-edge technology development, and able to work well in a team. A basic knowledge of superconductivity and experience with working with COMSOL Multiphysics would be beneficial.
Funding
The scholarship will fund full tuition fees, students levies, insurance, and a stipend of $35,000 NZD per annum for three years.
How to apply
Please email Dr James Storey (james.storey@vuw.ac.nz) with “PhD Scholarship in Superconducting Bearings for High-Speed Motors” in the subject line. Please include the following information:
- A full curriculum vitae, including your university transcripts.
- A letter expressing your interest in this project.
- Evidence of your English language ability (international students).
- Your expected starting date.
Comprehensive analysis of transformer-HTS interaction for precise flux pump design
Supervisors: Dr Adam Francis, Prof. Rodney Badcock
At Robinson Research Institute we are focused on driving the field of applied superconductivity forward. Superconductive circuits can carry large currents with very little loss especially when electrified by superconducting power supplies. Two types of superconducting power supplies currently exist, Dynamo and transformer rectifier (TR). The later are based on conventional TR power supplies which rectify AC power into DC power via a transformer core and a rectification circuit. The behaviour and mechanisms of power transfer in conventional transformers are well understood, however, this is not true of hybrid transformers consisting of a copper primary and a superconducting secondary.
The proposed Masters by Thesis project will be based around the study of transformers consisting wholly or in part of high temperature superconductor. The findings of this study will then be applied to the design and construction of a new conduction cooled superconducting flux pump. This flux pump will include all of the previous lessons learnt throughout the current literature with the aim of creating a highly predictable and controllable flux pump. Students with a bachelor’s in physics or engineering and a keen interest in electrical engineering and/or applied superconductivity are encouraged to apply.
Funding:
A tax free stipend of $25,000 NZD (plus fees) for one year is available to the successful applicant.
3D fluorescent optical memory for long-term data storage
Two fully funded Masters scholarships in Physics are available for research into developing ultra-high-density three-dimensional fluorescent optical memory for long-term data storage and preservation at the world leading Robinson Research Institute at Victoria University of Wellington (VUW), Lower Hutt, New Zealand. This new approach to ultra-high-density memory involves defect- and band-engineering of wide band gap materials to create suitable carrier traps where the luminescence from trapped charges can be used to represent a stored bit. Laser-induced spontaneous and stimulated emissions and a new super-resolution reading and writing method can potentially lead to bit dimensions less than 50 nm resulting in storage capacities exceeding 2 PB. Little is known about how the luminescent properties can be optimised via alternative synthesis routes, dopants, and using various optical stimulations. This research will greatly contribute to the understanding of luminescent materials and the development of proof-of-concept devices.
We are looking for a candidate from NZ and abroad to undertake materials preparation using methods that include high-temperature melts and hydrothermal techniques. The materials will be characterised and studied by x-ray diffraction, SEM, TEM, optical absorption, and various luminescence techniques including photoluminescence and stimulated luminescence. The candidate will also participate in the design, construction and implementation of optical experiments involving laser stimulations. Access to additional resources is available through our affiliation with the MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology. There is also the opportunity for the candidate to travel abroad to attend international conferences and work with researchers from other parts of New Zealand. We will also consider an MSc project on the same proposed work for a suitable candidate.
Eligibility
Applicants should have a BSc in physics (or materials physics) with high grades. We are seeking highly motivated individuals with excellent academic records, a good understanding of physics, and the ability to work well in a team. If you are an international student and your first language is not English, please ensure that you satisfy the English language requirements.
Funding Notes
The successful applicants will receive a stipend of $25,000 per annum for 1 year, as well as payment of all university tuition fees. There are two scholarships available.
How to Apply
Please send an email to Dr Joe Schuyt (joe.schuyt@vuw.ac.nz), Dr Shen Chong (shen.chong@vuw.ac.nz) and Prof Grant Williams (grant.williams@vuw.ac.nz) with “Masters scholarship in Ultra-High-Density 3D Fluorescent Optical Memory” in the subject line. Please include the following information,
- A full curriculum vitae, including your university transcripts
- A statement indicating why you are interested in this project
- Evidence of your English language ability (international student)
- Your expected starting date