Rolls-Royce supported PhDs in Composite Materials and Manufacture

Hours

Full time

Contract (temp/perm)

4 years, preferred start date September 2024

Closing date

14^th April 2024 

The project:

Rolls-Royce has supported PhD students at the University of Bristol on a diverse range of composites topics for many years via the Composites University Technology Centre (UTC). See https://www.bristol.ac.uk/composites/collaboration/utc/ for further details, including case studies on past UTC PhD students. We are now recruiting for high calibre candidates to join us and take up two new studentships.  

We are seeking highly motivated and committed individuals with an eye on the future, who are interested in conducting stimulating and novel research and have a passion for finding sustainable solutions. You will work on pre-commercial, yet industrially focused, cutting-edge research, complemented by a taught programme at University of Bristol.  

Composite Hydrogen Storage Tank Process Modelling 

• This project will focus on numerical modelling approach to understand and predict the manufacturing process for the production of carbon-fibre reinforce hydrogen storage tanks.
• Advanced finite element models will be used to simulate processes such as filament winding, compaction and cure. 
• Manufacturing outcomes such as fibre orientations, part thickness and likelihood of wrinkling will be predicted 
• The project outcomes will be used to inform models of a tank’s structural performance.   

Repeated Low Energy Impacts 

• In service, aerospace composite components are subject to a multitude of seemingly minor impact threats every day, for example due to ice shedding or hailstones. 
• Over a part’s lifetime, this can result in millions of such impacts that may have detrimental effects to component life. 
• This project will take a combined experimental and numerical approach to investigate the effects of repeated low-level impacts.
• The project outcomes will be used to understand and generate impact fatigue allowables for composite component design, which could unlock more sustainable and efficient aircraft designs with reduced engine power requirements. 

How to apply:

To apply please complete and submit this online form and send your CV and transcript of results to caroline.perkins@bristol.ac.uk.   

Candidate requirements: 

Applicants must hold/achieve a minimum a 2:1 MEng or merit at Masters level or equivalent in engineering, mathematics or physics. Applicants without a master's qualification may be considered on an exceptional basis, provided they hold a first-class undergraduate degree. Please note, acceptance will also depend on evidence of readiness to pursue a research degree and performance at interview.  

Funding:

An enhanced stipend of £24,917 for 2024/25, a fee waiver and generous research financial support for the successful candidates. Only apply for this studentship if you are UK fees eligible or have sufficient funds to cover the difference between the UK and the overseas fees. If you require a student visa, you may also require an ATAS certificate for the aerospace sector.   

Contacts:

caroline.perkins@bristol.ac.uk

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