Closing date: 30 May 2025
Open to: UK and international applicants
Funding Providers: Faculty of Science and Engineering and Fusion Engineering CDT in association with UKAEA
Subject areas: Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Computer Science
Project Start Date: 1 October 2025
Supervisors: Professor Perumal Nithiarasu (Swansea University), Dr M Baxter (UK Atomic Energy Authority)
Programme of Study: EngD Engineering
Mode of Study: Full time
Place of Study: Swansea University - This EngD project is funded by the Fusion Engineering CDT and hence the student will be based at Swansea University but should expect to engage fully with the 3-month training programme within the Fusion Engineering CDT at the start of the course. CDT training will be delivered across the CDT partner universities at Sheffield, Manchester, Birmingham and Liverpool. For further information about the CDT programme.
Project Description:
Fusion is a multiphysics environment, and their interdependency makes predictions extremely challenging. Components such as breeder blankets require nearly real-time simulations at the design and operational phases. Many groups, including UKAEA computing, are equipped to carry out high-performance computing to investigate components. However, for real-time computing for design purposes and later for operational purposes, carrying out large-scale computing online is a huge challenge.
Thus, we proposed a practical approach that integrates multiphysics information derived from large-scale computing, data (when available) and any other information. A flux-balancing (discrete system) approach can represent 3D physics phenomena in real-time. In addition, the project will also consider using machine learning methods for reduced order modelling and integrating them into a real-time Multiphysics discrete model.
The objectives of the proposed EngD are:
This project is at the interface between UKAEA engineering and computing groups. Swansea will act as the bridge between these groups to deliver the best design options by combining high-fidelity simulations with design needs.
For more details please see here: https://www.swansea.ac.uk/postgraduate/scholarships/research/fse-fusion-ukaea-phd-engd-rs827.php
Open to UK & International students.
Applicants for EngD must hold an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level (or Non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University) in Engineering or similar relevant science discipline.
English Language
IELTS 6.5 Overall (5.5+ each comp.) or Swansea University recognised equivalent.
Please note that the programme requires some applicants to hold ATAS clearance, further details on ATAS scheme eligibility are available on the UK Government website.
ATAS clearance IS NOT required to be held as part of the scholarship application process. Successful award winners (as appropriate) are provided with details as to how to apply for ATAS clearance in tandem with a scholarship course offer.
Funding
This scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees and an annual stipend at UKRI rate (currently £20,780 for 2025/26).
An RTSG budget is available for project costs. All costs associated with attending CDT training will be met by the CDT.
International Students
To apply, please complete the entire application form, following this link:
1) In section ‘Programme Related Information’ please input the relevant RS Code for the scholarship award i.e. RS827
2) In section ‘Research’ you will see ‘Proposed project title/studentship title’* (Mandatory)
3) In section ‘Funding information’ please choose the option ‘Scholarship Funding’ only. Please ensure no other options are selected.
*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.
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):
Informal enquiries are welcome; please contact Professor Perumal Nithiarasu P.Nithiarasu@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.
Open to UK & International students.
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