I graduated from the University of Southampton with a degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics, and my background is mainly in structural dynamics and vibration. I enjoy doing experiments, but I also really like learning the theory behind how things work. Outside of research, I spend a lot of time with my cat Coca-Cola and my dog Cheese. Coca-Cola is definitely the boss! I also go to the gym from time to time — mostly so I can stay strong enough to carry all their food and cat litter.
Project title: Digital Twin for Vibroacoustic Systems under Uncertainty
University: University of Southampton
Supervisors: Dr Sifeng Bi and Dr Daniil Yurchenko
Briefly, what is your PhD project about?
My PhD is about digital twins for vibroacoustic systems. Basically systems involving both vibration and sound. A computer model is never a perfect copy of the real world, so my research looks at how we can use real experimental data, account for uncertainty, and keep improving the model so that its predictions become more reliable.
Why is it important to do this research?
We use models to predict how engineering systems will behave, but the real world is always a little messier than the model! Understanding where that uncertainty comes from, and how to account for it, can help us make predictions that we can trust more. Ultimately, this could support the design and monitoring of quieter, safer and more efficient systems in areas such as aerospace and automotive engineering.
What drew you to studying this PhD?
During my final-year project, I really enjoyed working with both experiments and numerical models. I became particularly interested in the fact that a model can never represent reality perfectly, and I wanted to understand how we can deal with those differences and uncertainties. This PhD felt like a natural next step, while also giving me the chance to explore a new area — acoustics!
What does a Sustainable Sound Future mean to you?
A sustainable sound future means using better engineering to reduce unwanted noise and vibration, while creating environments that are healthier and more comfortable for people.
What were you doing before joining the CDT?
Before joining the CDT, I was an Aeronautics and Astronautics student at Southampton, spending a lot of my final year shaking a very flexible wing in the lab and trying to understand what it was doing.
Tell us a fun acoustic fact!
Cats can hear much higher frequencies than humans, so my cat Coca-Cola probably hears a whole world of sounds that I don’t!