Address
Form of work
SalaryOptimisation of frictional performance of co-axial escapement of Mechanical Watch Movement
Project background
This project is a collaboration between Manchester Metropolitan University and Roger W. Smith Ltd to explore methods of reducing the frictional performance of the co-axial watch escapement.
One of the greatest challenges within the field of mechanical engineering and Horology (Mechanical Watch making) is reducing the friction between interfacial contacts, as friction largely defines the operational efficiency of a mechanical system. The challenge is particularly prevalent with horology as there is limited space for a power reserve, in the form of a coiled spring, to drive the watch's mechanism. In the mid-1970s, however, the British horologist, Dr George Daniels invented the Co-axial escapement which deploys a pushing motion, resulting in a significant reduction in mechanical friction. The Daniels Co-axial escapement was eventually industrialised by Omega in 1995. Roger Smith has further evolved this Co-axial design since 2010 to create a new single-wheel version which achieves significant energy efficiencies over the original Daniels design.
The current state-of-the-art methodology for reducing friction within watches is using specialised oil-based lubricants however these dry-out over time meaning that Mechanical Watches need to undergo, often very expensive, services at regular intervals (3-5 years). Given this, if the need for oil-based lubricants was removed then the requirement for costly serving would also be removed.
Project Brief:
This project will explore electrochemical techniques to deposit advanced dry-lubricating materials onto horological components (namely that of the co-axial movement produced by Roger W. Smith Ltd.), thus eliminating the need for oil-based lubricants.
If successful this initial 5-month project will represent the first time such technology has been applied within the field of horology and is thus likely to result in high impact academic and non-academic publications, new exploitable IP, and further funding for research to explore the application of the developed deposition technique on holistic watch mechanisms.
Manchester Metropolitan University
Manchester Metropolitan University is a pioneer of modern education since its origins in 1824 and sits in the top 200 young universities in the world. The University is committed to providing excellent education to transform our students' lives, and to delivering high quality research with powerful real-world impacts and benefits, as evidenced by our highly successful REF outcome. We are one of the top modern universities for research quality: 30% of our research is considered world leading (4*) and 90% of our research impact is rated ‘world leading' (4*) or ‘internationally excellent' (3*).
The Department of Natural Sciences is a large and successful academic community of staff and students in the Faculty of Science and Engineering. It is committed to achieving high-quality teaching, research and enterprise. The Department delivers courses to over 1000 students across Undergraduate, and Postgraduate programmes. The Department has trailblazing specialisms with global impact and a long track record of securing research funding - the current portfolio of funded projects from research councils, charities, the EU, and Innovate UK. We deliver work with real-world impact, and cultivate lasting relationships with businesses, the government and the general public to share our innovation and expertise. We are ambitious to build on our recent highly successful REF outcomes.
Candidate:
The proposed project is 5 months in duration and requires a post-doctoral research associate.
- We are seeking a suitably qualified candidate, Master qualification experience in Chemistry, electrochemistry, surface engineering, tribology or another related subject.
- We expect some experience of analytical equipment and analysis (ICP, XRD, XPS, Raman etc).
- Ideally a candidate would have experience specifically with the applications of advanced nanomaterials as dry lubricants and in the determination of coefficient of friction values.
- The candidate must be comfortable and capable of travelling to the Isle of Man in support and dissemination of the project.
Role:
Applicants ideally would have a Masters Degree or completed a post-graduate position.
Location: Manchester All Saints Campus
Faculty / Function: Electrochemistry, Science and Engineering
Salary: Grade 6
Start date: February 2023 - June 2023
Contract Type: 5 months
Contracted Hours per week: 35
Contact details:
For informal enquiries, please contact) Dr Samuel James Rowley-Neale(S.rowley-neale@mmu.ac.uk) and Dr Michael Down (M.down@mmu.ac.uk)
This is a fixed-term opportunity for 5 months
Manchester Metropolitan University is committed to supporting the rights, responsibilities, dignity, health and wellbeing of staff and students through our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
We promote applications from all sections of the community, irrespective of background, belief or identity, recognising the benefits that a diverse organisation can bring and particularly encourage applications from groups which are underrepresented in the University workforce.
We recognise the benefits and importance of an environment that supports flexible working and are open to conversations about this throughout the application process.
