This research studentship is focussed around the application of quantitative Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) techniques to power generation industrial asset inspection by way of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).
Within the current trend of operating lifespan extension for nuclear power generation facilities and the development of an increasingly renewable national energy portfolio, there is an appreciable need for enhanced inspection capability. For example in the case of wind turbines, the traditional inspection method, whereby an engineer would climb the turbine shaft and visually inspect the plant before applying other techniques as necessary, is seeing partial replacement by UAVs and their operators.

This research therefore intends to demonstrate the development and application of more rigorous NDT techniques to the inspection process following an in depth-review of the state of the art in related fields of study.

Aims & Objectives:

1. Optical inspired UAV positioning eliminating the need for physical manual control and ascension, thereby increasing the ability of the operator to inspect numerous geographically diffuse assets and reducing the associated personal safety concerns.
2. NDT Driven UAV platform modelling and control theory for optimised surface exploration speed or coverage in 3D space and relevant hardware development,
3. NDT Sensor design and implementation for optimised position invariant deployment
4. Image analysis techniques including Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping (SLAM) or defect classification, ultrasonic transducer appropriation for detection of structural faults including composite material delamination in turbine blades, or other similar works.

Thus, the ultimate goal of the studentship is to enhance engineering science within the field of airborne NDT through an iCASE PhD funding period of four years, supported by the EDF Energy renewables department and National Nuclear Laboratory.