 |
MSc
(Eng) Programme
Engineering
Applications of Lasers
|
 |
Engineering
Applications of Lasers is a 12-month full-time programme leading
to the degree of MSc(Eng). It consists of nine taught modules
(many with direct involvement of industry experts) and a major
industrially relevant project which is submitted as a dissertation.
The programme is also available on a part-time basis as route
to MSc(Eng) for industrialists.
|
| PROGRAMME
OUTLINE |
|
Lasers
are transforming modern manufacturing and leading to
new processes and new products that are high on the
value added chain. In particular in recent years, laser
processes are playing a major role in micro and nano
manufacture and in rapid prototyping and rapid manufacture.
The aim of the programme is to provide a sound training
in the engineering applications of lasers which will
introduce the theory and practice of the use of high
power lasers combined with practical knowledge of their
use in a wide range of industrial processes.
There is a strong emphasis on hands on experience, with
laboratory demonstrations and practical experience accompanying
each module in addition to the undertaking of a substantial
industry relevant research project. The engineering
and manufacturing implications of laser-based processes,
together with the principles of optics and the economics
of laser processes, are developed in a series of specific
modules. All the laser modules include interactive journal
club sessions and invited speakers.
Professional skills modules in effective management,
communication skills and understanding organisations
are also be provided.
The
programme is supported by EPSRC with scholarships for
UK based and EU based applicants. International students
may apply for a Faculty of Engineering scholarship to
assist with their fees costs. The Department of Engineering
has a world-renowned Laser Group with excellent laser
research and postgraduate teaching facilities and was
awarded the highest grade attainable (5*) in the UK's
2001 Research Assessment Exercise.
|
 |
| PROGRAMME
STRUCTURE |
|
The
programme consists of a taught component and a major
research-based project. The taught component is organised
in two 12-week semesters with examinations at the end
of each semester. The taught part of the programme is
assessed in January and May and represents 100 credits
from a total of 180. The remaining 80 credits are allocated
to the project.
In
addition, as an alternative to the normal full time
attendance, it is also possible to take the programme
part-time over two or three years (with the research
project carried out at the premises of the employer
where suitable facilities exist).
|
|
| Taught
Modules: |
- Introduction
to Laser Materials Processing
Lecture
topics: Introduction to the applications of optical energy
& laser materials processing; laser types & features; laser
safety; High power laser processes and key industrial applications;
laser materials processing in small businesses.
Practical content: Safety in the laser laboratory; High
power industrial lasers & their basic operation; Laser process
set up and typical process parameters
- Optics
and Optical Effects
Lecture
topics: Fundamentals of optics and optical effects relevant
to laser materials processing; Basic optics review; Laser
optics and laser beam engineering; Diagnostic techniques
using lasers; Principles of laser-material interaction.
Practical content: Optical design; characterisation of laser
beam properties
- Rapid
Prototyping
Lecture topics:The new technology of rapid prototyping
Practical content: Demonstrations of state-of-the-art facility
- Economics
of Laser Processes
Lecture
topics: Economic assessment of laser & competitor processes;
laser businesses; application cases; Markets; economic factors
& costs; Lasers in research and knowledge transfer; e-commerce
with lasers; equipment selection.
Practical content: Team-based laser business simulation;
Business Plan preparation.
- Professional
Transferable Skills
Content
covers: Effective communication; Project presentations;
Team working, leadership and negotiation; Understanding
organizations; Business management.
|
- Laser
Cutting
Lecture
topics: Fundamentals of laser cutting technology; industrial
applications and materials; comparison with competitor processes;
process mechanisms; models; Industrial practice and system
developments; advanced techniques under research.
Practical content: laser cutting nozzle aerodynamics; effect
of process parameters on laser cut quality; operation and
control of CNC based process mechanics.
- Laser
Welding
Lecture
topics: Fundamentals of laser welding technology; industrial
applications and materials; comparison with competitor processes;
process mechanisms; models; Industrial practice and system
developments; In-process sensing & automation.
Practical content: Process set up and effect of key parameters;
process sample characterisation and analysis; Software based
process modelling.
- Laser
Surface Processing
Lecture topics: Fundamentals and applications of laser surface
processes (hardening, annealing, melting, alloying, cladding,
cleaning); recent developments and applications in prototyping
and repair; Laser forming; Direct laser deposition.
Practical content: Industrial laser based process set up,
operation & characterisation.
- Laser
Microprocessing
Lecture topics:
Fundamentals and applications of laser based micro and nano
scale processes; microcutting; drilling; marking; micromachining;
microdeposition; Direct Write; microwelding, soldering and
bonding; microforming; effect of reduced scales.
Practical content: Industrial laser based process set up,
operation & characterisation.
- Smart
Materials
Lecture
topics: An account of smart devices in nature and technology
Practical content: Case studies in medical and aerospace
applications
|
- Recommended
Text
W M Steen Laser Material Processing 3rd Edition (Springer,
London) 2003 (ISBN:1852336986).
|
| PROJECTS
|
|
Project
work contributes 80 credits, which will be based on
a topic of industrial or scientific relevance, and will
be carried out in laboratories in the University or
at an approved placement in industry. The project is
examined by dissertation, and award of the MSc(Eng)
degree will require evidence of in-depth understanding,
mastery of research techniques, ability to analyse assembled
data, and assessment of outcomes.
Examples of MSc projects that have been carried out
in the Department of Engineering are:
|
- Diode
Pumped Solid State vs Lamp Pumped Nd:YAG for Industrial
Laser Marking Applications (Sponsor: GSI Group, Rugby)
- Numerical
and Physical Modelling of Weld Bead Geometry in Bead
on Plate Laser Welding (Sponsor: BAE Systems, Advanced
Technology Centre, Bristol)
- Laser
Percussion Drilling of Angled Holes in Aerospace Components
(Sponsor: Rolls-Royce, Bristol / Derby)
-
Characterisation and investigation of a new UV laser
source for pulsed laser processing applications (Sponsor:
GSI Group, Rugby)
- Ultra
short pulse laser microstructuring of materials (Sponsor:
Attiger, Liverpool)
- Direct
Write of sensors using a laser enhanced nScrypt technique
(Sponsor: BAE Systems, Advanced Technology Centre,
Bristol)
- Computer
based simulation and development of thermo-mechanical
models for the laser forming process (Sponsor: BAE
Systems, Advanced Technology Centre, Bristol)
|
|
|
| Admission |
|
The
normal entry requirement is a good first degree in an
appropriate branch of engineering or science. Individual
consideration is given to mature engineers with significant
and relevant experience and with professional qualifications.
All graduates of non-UK universities are required to
provide evidence of satisfactory communication skills
in the English language. Acceptable English Language
qualifications include IELTS 5.5, TOEFL 550 or GCSE
grade C. Other equivalent qualifications will be also
considered.
|
| Studentships
and Scholarships |
|
International
Scholarships
are
available to overseas students.
Details
of International Scholarships including
the Faculty of Engineering International Scholarship
and information for International Students
can be found here
EPSRC
Studentships covering
full University registration fees and a maintenance
award are available for UK applicants with suitable
Honours Degrees under an EPSRC Collaborative Training
Account (CTA) programme.
Fees
only support available to EU based applicants
Downloadable
- EPSRC Studentship Application Form for UK/EU Students
|
|
 |
| Programme
Enquires |
Enquires
about the programme can be made to either of:
|
|
Prof
K G Watkins (Director)
Laser Engineering Group
Department of Engineering
University of Liverpool
Brownlow Street
Liverpool
L69 3GH
Phone:
0151 794 4820
Fax: 0151 794 4585
email:
k.watkins@liv.ac.uk
|
Dr
G Dearden (Lecturer)
Laser Engineering Group
Department of Engineering
University of Liverpool
Brownlow Street
Liverpool
L69 3GH
Phone:
0151 794 4584
Fax: 0151 794 4585
email:
g.dearden@liv.ac.uk
|
|
|
|
