AI-Enabled Acoustic Emission System for Industrial Condition Monitoring
Loughborough UniversityLoughborough, United Kingdom
Course overview
This research project focuses on the development of an advanced AI-driven system specialised in interpreting Acoustic Emission (AE) data, which aims to facilitate real-time monitoring of critical industrial components, such as electric vehicle batteries and hydrogen fuel cells. AE sensors, operational within a frequency range of several MHz, have the capacity to capture stress waves emanating from materials undergoing deformation. By deploying an array of AE sensors, the system excels in accurately identifying and quantifying micro-mechanical activities occurring within a structure.
The primary aim of this PhD project is to establish an intelligent monitoring system that leverages AE data analysis to enhance the operational reliability and performance of vital industrial systems. Utilising advanced AI algorithms, the system is engineered to deliver real-time insights into the operational health and integrity of components such as electric vehicle batteries and hydrogen fuel cells. Expected outcomes of this research include real-time insights into the health and performance of monitored components, proactive identification and mitigation of potential issues, leading to enhanced operational reliability and extended longevity of critical industrial systems.
The successful PhD researcher will be an integral part of the Risk and Reliability and the Electric Vehicles and Advanced Propulsion research groups. They will have access to cutting-edge resources, including advanced battery and fuel cell test facilities, a dedicated AE system, and a specialised AI workstation. This project offers an excellent opportunity for a forward-thinking individual to actively engage in the innovative field of intelligent system monitoring through acoustic emissions.
94% of Loughborough’s research impact is rated world-leading or internationally excellent. REF 2021
Key highlights
- Develops AI-driven real-time monitoring using acoustic emission sensor data
- Applications include electric vehicle batteries and hydrogen fuel cells
- Join Risk and Reliability and Electric Vehicles research groups
- Access to advanced battery and fuel cell test facilities
- Dedicated acoustic emission system and specialised AI workstation provided
- 94% of research impact rated world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021)
Entry requirements
- Degree: 2:1 — or above
Scholarships
Alumni Bursary
10% of tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.
Up to 10% of feesAlumni Discount
UK students: £1,500 tuition fee discount for one academic year. International students: £3,000 tuition fee discount for one academic year.
Care Leaver's Scholarship
Excellence Scholarships
UK students: £3,000 off tuition fees; International students: £6,000 off tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.
International Sports Student Postgraduate Bursary
Our International Sports Student Postgraduate Bursary offers a £12,000 tuition fee discount (set against the tuition fees of your chosen postgraduate taught programme ONLY).
Up to £12,000London 10th Anniversary Award
£5,000 off tuition fees.
Up to £5,000Loughborough Business School Scholarship
£1,500 (UK students) and £3,000 (international students) off tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.
MBA Progress with Purpose Scholarship
50% of tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.
Up to 50% of feesQatari Ghanim Al-Muftah Excellence Scholarship
Careers this course leads to
- Condition Monitoring Engineer
- Reliability Engineer
- Machine Learning Engineer
- Battery Systems Research Engineer
- Non-Destructive Testing Specialist
- Postdoctoral Research Associate
Cost of study
UK/Home: £5,006 | International: £28,600
Admission
Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to Loughborough University, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.
Ready to start?
Book a free consultation and we'll map your fastest route to a January 2026 place.