Just the job: Rob Harrisoon's engineering doctorate

Tell us about your engineering doctorate

I'm about to start the fourth of a four-year engineering doctorate with Arup and the University of Manchester. I found out about it through my university, applied for it like a normal job and was offered the position after a fairly informal interview. The minimum bursary is equivalent to a good graduate salary. Like a PhD you have to submit a thesis - however, the EngD is aimed at engineers who want to work in industry, so students have company sponsorship and are also required to take a management diploma and professional development courses.

I am applying for Institution of Mechanical Engineers chartership and should be chartered by the time I finish my doctorate.

What research are you doing?

My project, which was set up by Arup, looks at structural vibrations of stadiums caused by human motions. This subject has become increasingly important as many modern stadiums now incorporate flexible tiers that are designed to give the crowd a closer, column-free view of the pitch. Also, many venues are now used for concerts where crowd motions exert larger forces on the structure. There is a risk that vibrations of the structure may cause some spectators concern or lead to crowd panic.

Current research on the subject is contradictory and design codes often give unrealistic results that are little use if you want to push design boundaries. Additional research is required in this area. A lot of the concepts are also applicable to other types of structures such as pedestrian footbridges and long-span office floors.

What's a typical working week?

I spend three days a week at the university, where I have a unique test rig that allows me to measure the forces and vibration generated when people jump and bounce on a flexible structure. The other two days are spent at Arup in Manchester as part of a structural engineering team where I primarily do computer modelling work. Arup uses my knowledge to assist on stadium design and I have worked on a stadium in the Ukraine for Shakhtar Donetsk FC and the new South Stand at Twickenham, among others.

What have been the high points so far?

The high points would probably include the conferences I have been to. I've written papers and presented at conferences in Orlando and Paris this year. I also carried out vibration monitoring at the City of Manchester Stadium during a Red Hot Chili Peppers concert last year. We all got access-all-area passes and got to see the Chilis and James Brown live during testing!

Are you obliged to stay at Arup after your four years?

No, but I want to, as I like the company and have really enjoyed working on the projects.