Intelligent Control of Electromechanical Braking Systems for Particulate Emission Reduction

Non-exhaust emissions from brake wear represent a major environmental and health concern, becoming tightly regulated under new Euro 7 standards. This PhD research aims to develop and validate an intelligent Electro-Mechanical Braking (EMB) control system to actively suppress brake particulate emissions. <br /> <br /> Key Objectives:<br /> - Develop control-oriented multi-physics models capturing brake dynamics, friction, thermal behaviour, and wear mechanisms. <br /> - Design, construct, and instrument a scaled EMB prototype with embedded sensing and actuation. <br /> - Build the Hardware-In-the-Loop (HIL) bench integrating the control system. <br /> - Formulate predictive/adaptive control strategies to modulate real-time clamp force, actively suppressing micro-slip and thermal hotspots. <br /> - Experimentally quantify reductions in PM2.5/PM10 emissions alongside braking safety and efficiency. <br /> <br /> This research delivers short-term academic and industrial impact through low-cost HIL validation frameworks and EuroBrake/UKACC conference presentation. In the long term, mitigating PM2.5/PM10 emissions accelerate commercial EMB deployment with partners, influencing future legislation and driving sustainable, net-zero mobility.<br />

<p><strong>Background</strong><br /> Vehicle emissions extend beyond the exhaust pipe; wear particles from friction braking contribute heavily to PM2.5 and PM10 air pollution. With Euro 7 enforcing strict non-exhaust limits, next-generation braking must evolve. Electro-Mechanical Braking (EMB), with evolution of Brake-by-Wire, offers precise, high-bandwidth actuation. Actively controlling transient micro-slip and thermal spikes provides an untapped opportunity to eliminate wear particles at the source without compromising stopping performance. Utilising our state-of-the-art Leeds Brake Dynamometer facility to evaluate control-driven emission reductions, this project pioneers actionable strategies for safe, net-zero mobility.</p> <p><strong>Methodology</strong><br /> This project employs an integrated multi-disciplinary methodology:</p> <ul> <li>Computational: Multi-physics modelling of brake dynamics, friction, thermal behaviour, and wear mechanisms, paired with predictive/adaptive force control design. </li> <li>Experimental: Mechanical design, embedded electronics, and fabrication of a scaled desktop EMB prototype. </li> <li>Validation: Hardware-In-the-Loop (HIL) co-simulation using the scaled EMB bench to develop high-bandwidth control algorithms. Control force profiles generated on the desktop platform will be replayed on the Leeds Brake Dynamometer to validate real-world force response, thermal performance, and particulate emission reductions (PM2.5/PM10).</li> </ul> <p><strong>Skills Required</strong><br /> The candidate should have a first or upper second-class UK honours degree (or international equivalent) in Mechanical, Control, Mechatronics, or Automotive Engineering. Essential skills include proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink for dynamic system simulation and modelling, alongside CAD for mechanical design. Strong fundamentals in dynamics, control theory, and physical system modelling are required. Experience with Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing platforms, embedded controllers, finite element analysis (FEA), tribology, or experimental validation. Exceptional analytical skills, self-motivation, and strong written and verbal technical communication skills.</p> <p><strong>Industry/external partners</strong><br /> Dissemination and training engagement through EuroBrake, UKACC, IMechE Automobile Division, IMECHE Mechatronics, Informatics and Control Group, and FISITA, giving the researcher direct access to leading UK and global automotive networks.<br />  </p>

<p>To apply for this project you will need to <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">make a formal application for research degree study through the University's website</a>. You will need to create a login ID with a username and PIN. </p> <ul> <li>For <strong>‘Application type’</strong> please select <strong>‘Research Degrees – Research Postgraduate’. </strong></li> <li>The <strong>admission year</strong> for this project is<strong> 2027/28 Academic Year.</strong></li> <li>You will need to select your <strong>‘Planned Course of Study’</strong> from a drop-down menu. For this project, scroll down and select <strong>‘EPSRC DLA (Engineering, Biological Sciences, Medicine)’ </strong></li> <li>The project start date for this project is <strong>01/10/2027</strong>, please use this as your <strong>Proposed Start Date of Research</strong>. </li> <li>Please state clearly in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is ‘Intelligent Control of Electromechanical Braking Systems for Particulate Emission Reduction’ with <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/mechanical-engineering-research-thermofluids/staff/13015/dr-saikat-dutta">Dr Saikat Dutta</a> as your proposed supervisor.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Please state clearly in the finance section that the funding you are applying for is EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award 2027/28: Mechanical Engineering.</strong></p> <p>You will be required to provide a personal statement which outlines your interest in the project you are applying for, why you have chosen it and how your skills map onto the requirements of the project. </p> <p><strong>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of 18 November 2026 or at the point you submit your application:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date including grading scheme</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p>

Applicants to research degree programmes in the School of Mechanical Engineering should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the supervisor or Admissions Team prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<p>A highly competitive EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award (DLA) providing full academic fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant at the standard UKRI rate (currently £21,805 in academic session 2026/27) for 3.5 years and rising annually, in line with standard UKRI rates. Training and support will also be provided.</p> <p>This opportunity is open to UK applicants only. </p> <p><br /> <strong>Competition funded  </strong></p> <ul> <li>"Competition funded" means that we advertise a larger number of projects than available awards. Not all projects advertised for this funding opportunity will receive funding. The selection panel will consider all applications received across the full range of advertised projects and select the awardee/s based on the strength of their application. </li> </ul> <p><br /> <strong>Eligibility Criteria </strong></p> <ul> <li>Applicants must be eligible to pay fees at the Home (UK) rate.</li> </ul> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /> <strong>Other Conditions</strong></p> <ul> <li class="MsoNoSpacing">Candidates who have previously been awarded a PhD or are currently registered on a PhD are excluded from applying. Those who were previously studying for a PhD but did not complete may be considered. </li> <li>Awards must be taken up by 1st October 2027.</li> <li>Applicants must live within a reasonable distance of the University of Leeds whilst in receipt of this scholarship.</li> </ul> <p><br /> If you are unsure whether you are eligible for UK fees/funding, please see our <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/undergraduate-fees/doc/fee-assessment">fee assessment page.</a></p> <p> </p>

<p>For further information please contact the PGR Admissions Engineering and Physical Sciences team on this email address: <a href="http://phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk/">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p>If you are interested in this project or have any questions, please do contact the project supervisor <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/mechanical-engineering-research-thermofluids/staff/13015/dr-saikat-dutta">Dr Saikat Dutta</a> on this address: <a href="mailto:S.Dutta@leeds.ac.uk">S.Dutta@leeds.ac.uk</a></p>