Civil Engineering: Fully Funded EngD Engineering Studentship in Multi-Fidelity Simulation Ensembles for Near Real-time Failure Prediction in Digital Twins (RS827)

  • DeadlineDeadline: 30 May 2025
  • WalesWales

Description

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: 

  1. Understand various breeder blanket designs and analyse the multiphysics environment.
  2. Carry out 3D calculations in Swansea and UKAEA to understand the physics and interaction between physics at the system level but focus on breeder blankets.
  3. Build on Swansea and UKAEA teams on the reduced order model and introduce a discrete approach that integrates detailed physics into the reduced order model. 
  4. Embed machine learning method for data integration, order reduction and fast computing.
  5. Use virtual and available data environments to test the real-time model for its speed and accuracy. 
  6. Test the model for failure predictions and predictive maintenance of the breeder blanket within the context of a fusion system.

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

Entry Requirements

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 

  • Swansea University is pleased to offer the Swansea University International Postgraduate Research Excellence Scholarship (SUIPRES). This is a competitively awarded Scholarship open to overseas PhD and Professional Doctorate applicants eligible for the international rate of tuition fees who can demonstrate excellence in academic achievement.    
  • The SUIPRES Scholarship covers the difference between the International and the Home tuition fee for the duration of the PhD/Professional Doctorate programme. Successful candidates will be charged fees aligned to the UK rate per year. The scholarship will be offset against your tuition fee liability   
  • All International applications will be considered for a SUIPRES Scholarship. You will be informed whether a SUIPRES Scholarship will be offered within your offer letter.  

How To Apply

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)  

  • In ‘Proposed project title/studentship title’ please input either: 
  • the relevant scholarship advert link,  
  • the RS Code, or  
  • the scholarship title
  • Please leave 'Proposed Supervisor' field blank
  • Please leave 'Research Project' (if applicable) blank 
  • In ‘Do you have a proposal to upload?*’(Mandatory) Please select Yes 
  • Then upload copy of advert (you can save the advert by clicking print, and then print to pdf) 

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): 

  • CV.
  • Degree certificates and transcripts (if you are currently studying for a degree, screenshots of your grades to date are sufficient).
  • A cover letter including a ‘Supplementary Personal Statement’ to explain why the position particularly matches your skills and experience and how you choose to develop the project. 
  • One reference (academic or previous employer) on headed paper or using the Swansea University reference form. Please note that we are not able to accept references received citing private email accounts, e.g. Hotmail. Referees should cite their employment email address for verification of reference. 
  • Evidence of meeting English Language requirement (if applicable). 
  • Copy of UK resident visa (if applicable).
  • Confirmation of EDI form submission. 

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. 

Who is eligible to apply?

Open to UK & International students.

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