DSDS 21

Permanent URI for this collection

https://dspace.lib.cranfield.ac.uk/handle/1826/21075

This collection showcases outputs from the seventh Defence and Security Doctoral Symposium, hosted at the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, Shrivenham by Cranfield University in association with AWE.

It is the only UK conference to provide research students and early career researchers in defence and security with an opportunity to present their work to a sector-wide audience. Covering both technology and social sciences research, contributions include technical papers, a 3MT (three minute thesis) competition, digital images and posters. In addition, there are plenary talks from thought-leaders, as well as opportunities to interact with industry, publishers and other employers of defence and security researchers.

News

Smith, Mandy (2021). 2021 Defence and Security Doctoral Symposium (DSDS21) hosted by Cranfield University in conjunction with DSTL and AWE: Symposium outputs. Cranfield Online Research Data (CORD). Collection. https://doi.org/10.17862/cranfield.rd.c.5600316.v9

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Browsing DSDS 21 by Subject "'DSDS21 3MT'"

Now showing 1 - 7 of 7
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    4D printing of Magnetic Shape Memory Alloys
    (Cranfield University, 2022-01-14T15:44:56Z) Milleret, Anastassia
    Magnetic shape memory alloys (MSMA) are ferromagnetic materials exhibiting a plastic reversible transformation when subjected to a magnetic field. This transformation occurs within few milliseconds, making them good candidates for ultra-fast actuators. Previous studies have reported an increase of the shape memory effect in bamboo-like Ni-Mn-Ga structures. Thus, 3D Printing, using Laser Powder Bed Fusion (l-PBF), is a potential manufacturing approach to fabricate near-net-shape textured MSMAs structures. This study investigates the influence of l-PBF process parameters (laser power, scan speed, hatch spacing and scanning strategy) on the relative density and the microstructure of bulk and lattice specimens made from a gas atomised Ni-Mn-Ga powder doped with excess Mn. The as-built bulk samples showed a high relative density, up to 98% with a homogenous 14M structure and a ferromagnetic behaviour. The residual porosity in the bulk material is mainly due to gas voids, lack of fusion and cracking. Fabrication of lattice structures at a low laser power (70W) and scan speed (450 mm/s) resulted in a significant decrease in cracking. The effect of process parameters on the strut’s geometry was also investigated, in addition the influence of the lattice geometries on the magnetic properties. Microstructural analysis revealed a layered microstructure with a stripe-like surface relief that originated from the presence of martensitic twins within the sample. Further work will focus on developing a new design to enhance the magnetic properties.
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    Converged Security: Building an Evidence-Based Road Map
    (Cranfield University, 2022-01-13T17:44:51Z) Boakes, Emma
    Incidents involving cyber-physical systems are increasing , , and are predicted to escalate further in the coming years . Convergence involves the integration of security resources within an organisation; it has been advocated since the early 2000s as a way of helping understand and mitigate vulnerabilities in cyber-physical systems. There is, however, little empirical research exploring converged security, and no clear roadmap for organisations who want to adopt the approach. My research examines the experiences of organisations who have taken a converged approach to security and uses this to develop an evidence-based roadmap for others to follow. I have carried out three studies to understand the implementation of converged security from different perspectives. Firstly, a literature review and a series of pilot interviews with senior security staff helped to identify the scope of converged security and key factors that facilitate effective convergence. These factors were then used to construct a three-round Delphi study with 23 security professionals working within converged security functions across the world. This study validated 22 critical success factors for implementing converged security. The third study comprised fifteen email interviews with senior staff involved in the decision to converge across different organisations and industry sectors. The interviews examined the move to convergence, and the decisions around its implementation. Taken together these studies provide an evidence-base of the activities that organisations need to adopt when deciding how to implement converged security, such as: effective communication to sell the idea, achieve buy-in and support; having a common goal that aligns converged security with business strategy; and the importance of culture, relationships and respect in ensuring collaboration within and between security resources. Grounded in the real-world experiences of a range of security professionals across different geographies and industries it is apparent that while there is no standard approach to convergence there are commonalities across different implementations. The methodological contribution of this research lies in mixed qualitative methods used remotely. The substantive contribution is an evidence-based road map for the delivery of converged security.
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    De-sovereignisation as an instrument of Russia’s coercive diplomacy in the context of post-Soviet de facto states. A comparative study of Moldova and Ukraine (2014–2021).
    (Cranfield University, 2022-01-13T17:44:17Z) Barbieri, Jaroslava
    This project examines the de-sovereignisation processes occurring in Moldova and Ukraine as a result of Russian-instigated activities in the breakaway territories of the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic (PMR) and the Donetsk and Luhansk Peoples’ Republics (DNR/LNR). De-sovereignisation is defined as the process(es) whereby a state selectively facilitates state- and nation-building activities that interfere with another state’s ability to exercise control and authority over portions of its territory and population. By strengthening various attributes of sovereignty and statehood in de facto states (i.e. territories having de facto yet lacking de jure sovereignty), Russia automatically weakens those of their respective parent states, thereby making them more vulnerable to its influence. With this in mind, this thesis addresses the following research questions: How does Russia’s role in supporting the viability of post-Soviet de facto states affect reintegration prospects into their parent states? How does Russia’s involvement in the DNR/LNR compare to that in the PMR? To guide empirical research, this thesis relies on a refined version of coercive diplomacy theory, which implies the use of (verbal and non-verbal) threats and incentives to instigate behavioural change in a target state to the coercer’s advantage. Thus, this project looks at how Russian state and non-state actors have been instrumentally promoting state- and nation-building activities in the PMR and the DNR/LNR with the aim to pressurise their respective parent states into complying with Russia’s shifting demands. Critically, this project provides the first comparative study of such activities, operationalised into five domains: 1) political-diplomatic; 2) economic-financial; 3) military-security; 4) educational-cultural; 5) socio-legal. At the same time, this study distances itself from the conventional way of treating political and military leaders in de facto states as mere Russian proxies deprived of independent agency. Rather, it interrogates the extent to which local state- and nation-building initiatives are coordinated with Russia’s ruling elite and examines whether these may generate policy dilemmas for Russia. There has been a tendency to emphasise the causes of Russia’s military incursions into neighbouring countries, with little empirical analysis of the long-term consequences of such incursions on the ground. By contrast, this project acknowledges the complex and ‘messy’ realities of Russia-backed de facto states and uses apparent similarities as a starting point to examine in comparative terms idiosyncratic local developments and the ensuing challenges for reintegration prospects. This study relies on case-study analysis and draws on sources such as state documents and public statements issued by the de facto authorities and the Russian leadership, local newspaper releases, videos from state-controlled media outlets as well as semi-structured interviews with officials and experts from the countries under study.
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    Getting a Whiff of Crime: The Chemistry Behind Detection of Illicit Substances by a New Sniffer Dog
    (Cranfield University, 2022-01-13T17:45:13Z) Hardy, Iona
    To combat the constantly shifting threat related to the trafficking of illicit drugs and terrorism and meet Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) operational requirements, the exploitation of the latest scientific and technical advances is key. A valid alternative to the detection technologies currently used/explored by UK and International markets, is the CRIM-TRACK sniffer device, which allows detection of multiple illicit substances in a non-destructive, rapid, and accurate manner. The CRIM-TRACK sniffer includes a colourimetric sensor system (Microchip, Figure 1) consisting of chromic dyes reacting to vapour traces of illicit substances (Analytes).The aim of this PhD project is to further develop the CRIM-TRACK sniffer device’s colourimetric sensor through chemical analysis of the interaction between analyte and dye molecules. Responsive (Colour changing) and non-responsive dyes from the current colourimetric microchip for the analyte of interest are determined through detection experiments using the CRIM-TRACK sniffer. The detection mechanisms of four analytes – a selection of chemical precursors and controlled drugs – with two families of dyes, diazobenzenes and sulfonephthaleins, have been ascertained. This is achieved by applying analytical techniques such as Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and UV-Vis Spectrophotometry and comparing the data produced by analyte:dye mixtures and their single components. Evaluation of these mixtures is aided by comparison of experimental data against modelling data produced by colleagues at Sheffield Hallam University. Understanding the detection mechanisms allows the identification and selection of other responsive dyes for improvement of the current microchip and the design of scenario specific microchips.
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    The Importance of Defence Diplomacy in North South Relations and its Role in Defence and Security Landscape of a State
    (Cranfield University, 2022-01-14T15:44:37Z) Khalid, Faiq
    International relations, as a subject, mostly talks about war and peace. All schools of thought and theories, on one side, provide a lens to understand the power dynamics in the world, on the other hand, are interlinked and revolve around them. What matters in international relations is to avoid war and ensure peace. When it comes to peace, diplomacy is the best way and an imperative tool to achieve this important and necessary cornerstone of development. Interestingly, diplomacy is actually international relations. Due to globalization, non-traditional security threats and the Covid pandemic, the defence and security landscape of a state is among the most concerned area that requires rapid transformation and “out of the box solutions” to better equip itself to face the challenges. Defence diplomacy seems to be the most appropriate and right approach at the moment. Although the practice is being exercised for centuries it has never been as important as it is now. The research intends to find the potential benefits of defence diplomacy for the defence and security landscape of a state. In doing so, as a case study, the research focuses on the premier state from the global north who is practising defence diplomacy such as the UK and a developing state such as Pakistan from the global south. There are three core leverages that defence diplomacy provides to a state i.e., tactical, strategic and economic. The current defence diplomacy scholarship largely focuses on the tactical and strategic aspects whereas economic facets are never given due importance. Defence diplomacy provides a very important pillar to the defence industrial base of a state, and this industrial base do not act in isolation, it requires and develops sister industries which then boost economies. Defence diplomacy is practised by the most advanced nations with sound economic and financial standing in the world. The research intends to explore to what extent a developing state such as Pakistan can practice defence diplomacy keeping in view its economic situation and availability of resources. It is also evident that defence diplomacy has played a strategic role during the covid pandemic in the defence and security landscape of a state.
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    Vibration Analysis of Non-Metallic Materials
    (Cranfield University, 2022-01-13T17:44:01Z) Sriraman, Shabarish
    A 3MT talk on developing a hybrid method, which combines experimental testing and simulation tuning, to characterise the dynamic vibration properties of materials. Topics discussed include: - Why we need a new characterisation method - How the method works - Capability and key innovation, including a new approach to damping and reducing estimations in simulations - Validation and results
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    Visualising penetration in armour
    (Cranfield University, 2022-01-11T15:45:37Z) Powell, Daniel
    The human eye, CT scanning, X-ray radiography and Computer Aided Design (CAD) can all be used to visualise penetration in armour systems. This digital image demonstrates how these advanced techniques help us see a story that often seems non-existent to the human eye. X-ray radiography in the x and y axis paired with subsequent computer modelling allows the recreation of the crater and embedded material in 3D, enabling detailed analysis of the armour penetration. The volume of penetration can be measured with 95% accuracy from this CAD model when compared to the more expensive and complex, yet highly accurate, CT scanning. This demonstrates the reliability of this relatively simple and accessible methodology for quantifying damage in armour systems.