Full details are in the link: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/postgraduate/fees-funding/search-funding/?code=DLA2610
Structural and Material Influence on Floor Vibration-Based Fall Detection
Newcastle University – School of Engineering
📍 Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
Supervisors:
- Dr Haoyu Huang, Lecturer in Structural Engineering
- Prof Sean Wilkinson, Professor of Structural Engineering
Funding body: EPSRC
Start date: 1 October 2026
Duration: 4 years
Application deadline: 18 February 2026
Studentship code: DLA2610
Funding and Benefits
- 100% tuition fees covered (UK or international students)
- Tax-free annual stipend of at least £20,780 (UKRI 2025/26 rate)
- Additional funding for research expenses, experiments, and training
Project Overview
Falls are one of the most serious safety risks facing older adults, and rapid, reliable fall detection can significantly reduce injury severity and improve emergency response times. Recent advances in vibration-based sensing have demonstrated strong potential for non-intrusive fall detection using floor-mounted sensors.
This PhD project will investigate how the structural form and material properties of floor systems influence vibration signatures generated by human falls and everyday activities, and how these differences affect the performance of AI-based fall detection models.
Unlike much existing research, which assumes a single, uniform floor condition, real buildings vary widely — from timber and composite floors to reinforced concrete slabs — each with distinct stiffness, damping, and boundary conditions. These variations fundamentally alter vibration transmission and signal characteristics.
The project will develop a physics-informed, data-driven framework linking structural behaviour to fall detection accuracy.
Research Methods
The PhD will combine:
- Experimental testing on different floor systems
- Finite element modelling of vibration propagation
- AI and machine-learning techniques for signal classification and fall detection
This interdisciplinary project sits at the intersection of civil engineering, structural dynamics, and artificial intelligence, with strong potential for real-world impact in smart buildings and healthcare monitoring.
Eligibility and Requirements
We adopt a contextual admissions approach, valuing potential, experience, and motivation alongside academic achievement.
Essential requirements:
- A minimum 2:1 Honours degree (or international equivalent) in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related discipline
- Strong analytical skills and the ability to work independently
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Enthusiasm for interdisciplinary and experimental research
A Master’s degree is not mandatory if you meet the above criteria or can demonstrate relevant research or professional experience.
English language requirements:
- IELTS 6.5 overall, with minimum 5.5 in each sub-skill (or equivalent)
International applicants may require an ATAS clearance certificate prior to visa application.
How to Apply
- Apply via the Apply to Newcastle Portal
- Select Civil Engineering (Full-time) – Programme code: 8040F
- In the application:
- Upload your Personal Statement using the required template
- Enter DLA2610 in the Studentship/Partnership Reference field
- When asked about your proposal, select “Write Proposal” and enter the project title exactly as advertised
- No separate research proposal is required
⚠️ Applications without the required personal statement template will not be considered.
Enquiries
📧 Dr Haoyu Huang – haoyu.huang@newcastle.ac.uk
📧 Doctoral Awards Team – doctoral.awards@ncl.ac.uk (independent application advice)
