PhD Studentship: DPhil in Engineering IDLA: Reactive Burn Modelling

4-year D.Phil. studentship 

Supervisors: Dr Simone Falco, Prof Daniel Eakins

The ability to simulate initiation and detonation effects within energetic materials is a significant capability gap within the energetics field. Whilst many reactive burn models have been developed to simulate this behaviour, they are generally designed for ideal explosives and are mostly engineering models fitted to test data, which are therefore only useable within a narrow range of scenarios. These limitations result in the requirement of large number of high-cost experiments being conducted to populate the models.

The development of a physically-based model of energetic material will overcome the current limitations and provide predictive capabilities that are crucial for the understanding of the behaviour of novel (or damaged) materials. To provide the required level of accuracy the models need capture the topological features and their effect on the dynamic response of the material.

The successful candidate will study the behaviour of energetic materials both at the microscopic (i.e. crystal deformation and failure) and macroscopic levels. Numerical techniques for the generation of digital twins and modelling the thermomechanical response of energetic materials will be developed, building on the extensive capabilities within the Impact and Shock Mechanics Laboratory. There will be the possibility to explore novel modelling approaches (e.g. SPG) as well as the use of machine learning, advanced computing, statistical modelling to explore the stochastic response to complex scenarios.

This project offers the opportunity to undertake ground-breaking research in the field of shock-physics, involving elements of materials science, mechanics, and ultrafast diagnostics. You will be based at Begbroke Science Park as part of the Impact and Shock Mechanics group, composed of more than 30 members including 15 students.

Eligibility

This studentship is fully funded by Dstl, and is open to UK student (full award – fees plus stipend).

Award Value

Course fees are covered at the level set for UK students (c. £10,070 p.a.). The stipend (tax-free maintenance grant) is c. £20,780 p.a. for the first year, and at least this amount for a further three years. 

Candidate Requirements

Prospective candidates will be judged according to how well they meet the following criteria:

• A first class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in Engineering, Physics or Materials Science
• Excellent English written and spoken communication skills

The following skills are also highly desirable:

• Ability to program in Matlab, Python or similar
• Strong laboratory-based skills

Application Procedure

Informal enquiries are encouraged and should be addressed to Prof Daniel Eakins (daniel.eakins@eng.ox.ac.uk).

Candidates must submit a graduate application form and are expected to meet the graduate admissions criteria. To apply please visit the course page of the University website.

Application deadline:  noon on Friday 6th of June 2025

Start date: October 2025

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