Postgraduate profile: PhD mechanical engineering

Gareth Moore is studying a PhD in mechanical engineering while working as an electrical engineer.

I've always thought about doing a PhD as I enjoy research. I considered starting straight after graduating but I decided instead to wait. I joined the Rolls-Royce graduate scheme and did placements in several areas. I was then offered a three-month placement in the Strategic Research Centre, which turned out to be bigger than expected and eventually developed into a sponsored PhD.

Electricity supply in aircraft

I am investigating the electro-mechanical interactions in an aerospace gas turbine. New aircraft such as the Airbus A380 and Boeing 787 - and potential future aircraft - increasingly depend on electrical systems so there's a requirement to generate more electrical power from the engine. The basic design approach behind the power offtake system hasn't changed significantly since its inception, but the size of the electrical generator has increased. With the increase in power and bigger generators, we need to address the design of the electro-mechanical systems and link up the entire power system.

Surrounded by experts

I divide my time between the University of Nottingham - where I have access to academic resources - and my employer's electrical systems department in Derby, where I am surrounded by electrical and mechanical engineers who provide crucial support. My academic supervisor is a mechanical engineer specialising in machine dynamics, while my industrial supervisor is a doctor of electrical engineering with experience in modelling - so I have expert advice on both areas. I am still employed by Rolls-Royce and I get a regular salary. The organisation also covers my fees, travel expenses and additional costs. Part of this money comes from bursaries from the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851 and the ERA Foundation.

Developing skills

I spend most of my time doing independent research but I've taken some undergraduate modules to top up my basic mechanical engineering knowledge. I've improved my self-direction: I have to manage my own time and my own work. It's a little daunting not having someone to answer to: if I don't understand something, it's my problem! Thinking about the way you analyse problems means you can take a structured approach to solving them. I'm never repeating tasks so there's a new challenge every single time.

Top tips

Consider the topic carefully before starting a course. I would really recommend taking some time out before starting postgraduate study: it helped me choose a better topic and direction. I would probably have been perfectly happy doing a PhD in electrical/electronic engineering - but spending time in industry made me choose a different direction. It's a topic that I have a really good context for and I understand the worth of it. If you just wander into a topic you can feel that you're just doing a task, but I really know why I'm doing this and can see the potential benefits. I'm working on something that is fascinating, has practical applications in the aerospace industry and will develop my prospects in the organisation. 

Postgraduate study is a very worthwhile thing to do if you want to push yourself a bit further. But it's not essential: I know a lot of research engineers who are working at the cutting edge of technology, without having done a further degree. At the same time, it's nice to have the structure and goal that a doctorate brings as it means you get a 'reward' at the end. 

When I've finished my doctorate, I'll have a very specific but useful and transferable skills set. Electro-mechanical engineering plays a part in many sectors, and I'd like to expand my knowledge by moving to a new market sector - perhaps into marine systems.

Gareth is studying his PhD in mechanical engineering at the University of Nottingham.