Computer Simulation, Laser Shock Peening: Fully Funded PhD Studentship in Multi-Physics Modelling of Laser Shock Peening: Bridging Microscopic to Macroscopic Scales

In the process of laser shock peening (LSP), metallic structural components are hit by controlled laser pulses.

The sudden vaporisation of material at the structural surface creates large magnitude pressure shock waves which induce compressive residual stresses in the structure, thereby improving the surface hardness and the resistance to fatigue cracking and to corrosion. LSP is more effective than traditional shot peening and is important for applications in the construction, aerospace and automotive industries. Other applications include the forming of thin components or the breaking-up of hard materials. The computer modelling of LSP remains challenging due to its multi-physics and multi-scale nature. The dependency of the process on the shape of the laser pulse, its energy, ablation layers etc. is not sufficiently understood. This involves complex physics at the interface of plasma physics, shock physics, material science and thermodynamics.

The objective of this project is the computational modelling of laser shock peening. Molecular Dynamics (MD) and Finite Element (FE) simulations will be combined to account for the complex physical phenomena and their different scales. The interdependence of physical conditions (pressure, pulse time, temperature) will be investigated, allowing for the design of efficient shockwaves. Essential multi-physics software tools will be developed. The project is a collaboration between Swansea University and the STFC (Scientific Computing Department + Central Laser Facility). 

Funding Duration: 3 years  

Funding Comment 

This scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees and an annual stipend at UKRI rate (currently £20,780 for 2025/26) 

Additional research expenses of up to £1,000 per year will also be available. 

International Students - Fully funded if the applicant is successful in being offered a SUIPRES Scholarship as outlined below.

• 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.  

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