PhD Studentship : Revolutionising Litz Wire Development for Next Generation Ultra-High Speed Propulsion Motors

The Manufacturing Technology Centre UK, and University of Nottingham 

This project offers an exciting opportunity to undertake industrially linked research with leading engineers at the UK's premier hub for advanced manufacturing, i.e., Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC). and  with academics from the globally renowned Power Electronics, Machines and Control (PEMC) Research Institute, University of Nottingham. The project will be supported by the state-of-the-art electric motor manufacturing platforms at both locations, providing the student with hands-on industrial experience as well as cutting-edge research insight.

Description

The global drive towards electrification in high-performance sectors such as motorsport and aerospace is pushing electric motors to operate at ever increasing speeds. This demands smarter and more efficient motor winding technologies capable of handling high-frequency Joule losses. Litz wire is one of the most promising solutions due to its exceptional ability to reduce AC losses and boost power density. Today's modelling tools are not yet equipped to fully explore or optimise the flexible structures and manufacturing process of Litz wires.

This studentship offers the opportunity for the PhD student to lead the development of innovative simulation tools that predict Litz wire behaviour across electrical, thermal, and mechanical domains. Supported by the MTC’s advanced wire braiding platform, the PhD work will pave the way for next-generation ultra-high speed propulsion systems. The student will receive full training and support in both modelling and experiments. The skills developed in this PhD are highly transferable and will offer career pathways across sectors including renewable energy, automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing.

Funding

• Annual tuition fee of £5,006  fully funded for 3 years
• Tax-free annual stipend of £25,000 (equivalent to £32,000 industry gross salary) for 3 years
• An additional £2,000 per annum for consumables and travel

Requirements

• The candidate should have a 1st or high 2:1 degree in electrical/mechanical engineering, physics, mathematics, or related disciplines.
• Skills in numerical tools and programming are desirable.
• Any experience in engineering design or manufacturing would be advantageous.

Eligibility and Application

• Due to funding restrictions, the position is only available for UK home candidates.
• As sponsored by MTC, the successful candidate would need to pass the sponsors’ own security checks before starting the PhD.
• PhD Start date: 1 October 2025 
• Application deadline: 30 June 2025

Please apply here https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/pgstudy/how-to-apply/apply-online.aspx

For further information please email Professor Chris Gerada, Dr. Tianjie Zou (University of Nottingham) and Dan Walton (MTC).

Facilities

The MTC is an independent Research and Technology Organisation aimed at de-risking and accelerating the adoption of disruptive technologies within the UK manufacturing sphere. Supported by the UK government, the MTC works closely with industrial partners and other research organisations to deliver world leading innovation across all levels of the UK’s industrial landscape, from SMEs and start-ups to OEMs and large-scale global manufacturers.

The PEMC Institute is home to Driving the Electric Revolution Midlands Industrialisation Centre and the UK Electrification of Aerospace Propulsion Facilities, which have received over £20m of funding in the last three years. This 5000m² institute with state-of-the-art facilities for research into electrification technologies, hosting 21 academics and over 80 PhD students, will be made available for this project. The university actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. 

Please contact me directly should you have any questions regarding this matter.

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