PhD Studentship: Aero-Thermo-Structural Simulation and Optimization of Mechanical Interfaces in Hypersonic Vehicles

Start Date: October 1 2025

Introduction: This PhD project in Aero-Thermo-Structural Simulation and Optimization of Mechanical Interfaces in Hypersonic Vehicles will be carried out under the UK Hypersonics Doctoral Network. This network is supported by the Ministry of Defence and EPSRC for building the necessary expertise to develop next-generation hypersonic vehicles.

Objectives: You will investigate the coupled aerodynamic, structural and thermal analysis of interface regions, for example between fins and fuselage, in hypersonic vehicles. This will involve the use and augmentation of in-house python-based code based on Modified Newtonian aerodynamics and a coupled, nonlinear thermo-structural finite element solver.

Supervisors: Professor Matthew Santer, Dr. Paul Bruce.

Learning opportunities: You will develop an expertise in the Aero-thermo-structural simulation and optimization of hypersonic vehicles.

Professional Development: You will have access to engaging professional development workshops in areas such as research communication, computing and data science, and professional progression through our Early Career Researcher Institute. Additionally, you will be expected to attend cohort and training activities in the UK Hypersonics Doctoral Network, led by the University of Oxford and Imperial College London. Each Cohort will have at least 8 students studying across a number of UK Universities.

Duration: 4 years.

Funding: Full coverage of tuition fees and an annual tax-free stipend of £21,237 at home student rates.

Information on fee status can be found at:

https://www.imperial.ac.uk/study/pg/fees-and-funding/tuition-fees/fee-status/.

Eligibility: You must possess (or expect to gain) a First class honours MEng/MSci or higher degree or equivalent in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering.

Students recruited must be citizens of one of the “AUKUS” alliance nations (United Kingdom, Australia and the United States of America), and should not have dual nationality with any country on the UK Government’s list of countries subject to trade sanctions, arms embargoes and other trade restrictions (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/current-arms-embargoes-and-other-restrictions).

How to apply:

Submit your application via our Apply webpages, by clicking the 'Apply' button, above.

When submitting your application, you will need to use the following details:

• Search course/Programme: Aeronautics Research (PhD)
• Research Topic:Please use reference number AE0071
• Research Supervisors:Professor Matthew Santer, Dr. Paul Bruce
• Research Group:Aero

For further information: For questions about the project, please contact:

Professor Matthew Santer, m.santer@imperial.ac.uk

For queries regarding the application process, please contact:

Lisa Kelly, PhD Administrator, l.kelly@imperial.ac.uk

You can also learn more about Imperial at www.imperial.ac.uk/study/pg

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: Imperial is committed to equality and valuing diversity. We are an Athena SWAN Silver Award winner, a Stonewall Diversity Champion, a Disability Confident Employer and are working in partnership with GIRES to promote respect for trans people.

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