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Deadline: 24 February 2025
Wales
Closing date: 24 February 2025
Funding providers: EPSRC-DTP (50%), Faculty of Science and Engineering (50%)
Subject area: Computational mechanics; Engineering simulation
Project start date: 1 April 2025, 1 July 2025
Supervisors: Dr Xi Zou, Proffesor Wulf Dettmer
Aligned programme of study: PhD in Aerospace Engineering
Mode of study: Full-time
Project Description
This PhD project focuses on computational mechanics. It seeks to advance the development of numerical methods for curing process simulation of fibre-reinforced composite materials, especially the carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP). CFRP composites have gained prominence in industries such as aerospace and automotive due to their exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and highly flexible designability. Curing process is the crucial stage in manufacturing the CFRP composites with thermoset matrix. It is known that the manufactured components often contains non-negligible deviations from the nominal geometry, due to the residual stresses accumulated from the curing process. Therefore, optimising the design and analysis of CFRP structures requires a deep understanding of the complex curing process behaviour and intricate computational models.
Currently, the complete simulation workflow for curing process modelling of CFRP composites is time consuming as it relies heavily on manual iterations. This project aims to develop reliable computational tools to minimise the gap between designed geometry and manufactured geometry for the composites, incorporating state-of-the-art computational techniques, such as high-order finite element methods, reduced order modelling and machine learning. The development of the tools will require significant amount of computer programming using Python, C/C++ and Fortran. The candidate will also have the opportunity to produce CFRP specimens for experimental tests.
The successful candidate is expected to master state-of-the-art advances in computational mechanics to push forward the boundaries of CFRP simulation techniques, fostering innovation and sustainability in industries that rely on the CFRP material. The research will also help shape the future of CFRP simulation progress in engineering design and manufacturing.
For more details please see here: https://www.swansea.ac.uk/postgraduate/scholarships/research/engineering-epsrc-phd-advanced-numerical-2025-rs774.php
Candidates must hold an UK Bachelor degree with a minimum of Upper Second Class honours in Engineering or similar relevant science discipline or overseas Bachelor degree deemed equivalent to UK Bachelor (by UK ECCTIS) and achieved a grade equivalent to UK Upper Second Class honours in Engineering or similar relevant science discipline – see country specific qualifications.
IELTS 6.5 Overall (5.5+ each comp.) or Swansea University recognised equivalent. Full details of our English Language policy, including certificate time validity, can be found here English language policy and English language requirements.
Scholarship open to UK fee eligible applicants only.
Funding
This scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees and an annual stipend at UKRI rate (currently £19,237 for 2024/25).
Additional research expenses of up to £3,000 will also be available.
To apply, please complete your application online with the following information:
Course choice – please select as per preferred start date, either -
*For April 2025 start select:
Aerospace Engineering/ PhD / Full-time / 3 Years / April
OR
*For July 2025 start select:
Aerospace Engineering/ PhD / Full-time / 3 Years / July.
In the event you have already applied for the above programme previously, the application system may issue a warning notice and prevent application, in this event, please email pgrscholarships@swansea.ac.uk where staff will be happy to assist you in submitting your application.
*It is the responsibility of the applicant to list the above information accurately when applying, please note that applications received without the above information listed will not be considered for the scholarship award.
Start year – please select 2025
Funding (page 8 on the application process) –
One application is required per individual Swansea University led research scholarship award; applications cannot be considered listing multiple Swansea University led research scholarship awards.
NOTE: Applicants for PhD/EngD/ProfD/EdD - to support our commitment to providing an environment free of discrimination and celebrating diversity at Swansea University you are required to complete an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Monitoring Form in addition to your programme application form.
Please note that completion of the EDI Monitoring Form is mandatory; your application may not progress if this information is not submitted.
As part of your online application, you MUST upload the following documents (please do not send these via email):
For ALL scholarship applications from February 2023 an EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) Monitoring Form is required.
Informal enquiries are welcome; please contact Dr Xi Zou (xi.zou@swansea.ac.uk)
*External Partner Application Data Sharing – Please note that as part of the scholarship application selection process, application data sharing may occur with external partners outside of the University, when joint/co-funding of a scholarship project is applicable.
Scholarship open to UK fee eligible applicants only.
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