Project Outline
Novel Approaches for Condition Monitoring, Sound Quality Assessment, and User-Centred Design
Prosthetic devices play a vital role in restoring mobility, independence, and quality of life for millions of people worldwide. For many users, a prosthesis is not simply a medical device but an integral part of daily living, enabling participation in work, education, recreation, and social activities. As a result, the reliability, comfort, and overall user experience of these devices are of critical importance.
Despite significant advances in materials, biomechanics, and control systems, relatively little research has focused on the vibro-acoustic behaviour of prosthetic devices. The sounds and vibrations generated during everyday use are often overlooked, yet they may provide valuable information about device condition, component wear, user comfort, and overall satisfaction. Acoustic signatures could potentially be used to identify developing faults before failure occurs, while the perceived sound quality of a prosthesis may influence user confidence, acceptance, and long-term device use.
This PhD project will explore the emerging field of prosthetic vibro-acoustics, investigating how sound and vibration can be used to better understand, monitor, and improve prosthetic devices. Drawing upon expertise in acoustics, vibration, signal processing, machine learning, and user-centred design, the research will help address a significant knowledge gap and contribute to the development of prosthetic technologies that are not only functionally effective but also reliable, sustainable, and responsive to user needs.
Further project information
Prosthetic limbs require ongoing maintenance and repair throughout their lifecycle, often resulting in significant costs for both users and healthcare providers. Unexpected failures can reduce mobility, disrupt daily activities, and negatively affect user confidence and wellbeing. At the same time, prosthetic devices generate sounds during use that may provide valuable information about device condition, while also influencing the user experience. Despite growing interest in both device reliability and user-centred design, the role of sound and vibration in prosthetic systems remains relatively underexplored.
This PhD project will investigate how vibro-acoustic methods can be used to improve the performance, sustainability, and user acceptance of prosthetic devices. Depending on the interests, background, and expertise of the successful candidate, the research may follow one of two complementary pathways:
Pathway 1:Vibro-Acoustic Condition Monitoring and Device Integrity
This pathway will focus on the development of acoustic and vibration-based techniques for assessing the structural integrity and condition of prosthetic devices. The aim is to identify early indicators of wear, damage, misalignment, or component degradation through non-destructive testing (NDT) and condition monitoring approaches. By combining advanced sensing technologies, signal processing, and machine learning methods, the project will seek to develop practical diagnostic tools capable of supporting preventative maintenance strategies. Ultimately, this research could help extend device lifetimes, reduce unnecessary replacement of components, minimise waste associated with single-user prosthetic devices, and contribute to more sustainable healthcare practices.
Pathway 2: Prosthetic Sound Quality and User Perception
This pathway will focus on understanding how users perceive and experience the sounds generated by their prosthetic devices. While some sounds may provide useful feedback and reassurance, others may be perceived as annoying, distracting, or socially undesirable. The research will investigate the psychoacoustic characteristics of prosthetic sounds, including attributes such as loudness, roughness, sharpness, fluctuation strength, and tonality, alongside user-centred evaluations of sound quality. Through listening studies, field observations, and perceptual modelling, the project will seek to develop methods for characterising prosthetic sound quality and identifying the specific acoustic features that influence user satisfaction. The outcomes could inform future prosthetic design practices, leading to devices that are not only functional and reliable but also acoustically acceptable and comfortable for users.
The two pathways are closely related and share common foundations in acoustics, vibration, sensing, and data analysis. Depending on project progress and timescales, there may be opportunities to integrate aspects of both themes within a single programme of research, providing a holistic understanding of how prosthetic devices can be both technically reliable and positively experienced by their users. The exact balance between the two areas will be shaped by the successful candidate’s interests, skills, and career aspirations.
Topic Areas
- General engineering
- Bio-mechanical engineering
- Prosthetics and orthotics
Required technical skills/academic qualifications/experience
A minimum 2.1 or higher in a relevant undergraduate degree or a relevant master’s degree in engineering (acoustical, mechanical, bio-mechanical), prosthetics and orthotics, or physics. Relevant MSc preferred, but not essential.
Applicants do not need to have experience of every skill described in the project to apply. We particularly encourage applications from women and other groups under‑represented in research. All appointments will be made on merit.
Mode of attendance
Successful applicants are expected to register as full-time students. However, eligible UK home fees applicants may request to be considered for part-time mode of attendance by the supervisory team.
Supervisors
Project Partners
This project will be hosted at the University of Salford and supported by STAND.
