PhD Studentship: Automated Aircraft Inspection

Overview:

This exciting PhD opportunity is at the intersection of aerospace engineering and cutting-edge technology. It focuses on developing an innovative ground-based robotic inspection system using thermographic Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), a critical method for ensuring aircraft safety and reliability. NDT is increasingly vital in the aviation sector, enabling the detection of hidden defects without compromising structural integrity, thus ensuring passenger safety and operational efficiency.

The project aims to design and prototype a ground-based automated inspection system capable of detecting complex damage types in composite aircraft structures, such as delamination and lightning strike damage. Leveraging active thermography, the system will address limitations of traditional visual inspections by enhancing defect detection accuracy. The candidate will develop and demonstrate this system in Cranfield University's state-of-the-art Robotics Lab.

Cranfield University is renowned for its expertise in aerospace research and innovation. This PhD project will be supervised by leading academics at Cranfield, with co-supervision from the University of Southampton. Industrial collaborators will provide real-world insights and infected sample sets for testing. Student will join an enthusiastic, friendly, and supportive group of researchers who are all working on various analytical and experimental projects within the Centre for Assured and Connected Autonomy.

The research will significantly enhance aircraft maintenance processes by reducing inspection times, costs, and human error risks. It will contribute to safer skies by improving defect detection capabilities, particularly in composite materials increasingly used in modern aircraft. The outcomes could also influence broader applications in other industries requiring advanced NDT solutions.

This project offers a unique opportunity to contribute to ground-breaking advancements in aircraft inspections using autonomous systems. The student will have the opportunity to disseminate
work through high-quality peer-reviewed journal publications and presentations at prominent
international conferences, such as the IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA), ROSCon and others.

This PhD offers extensive transferable skills, including expertise in robotics, navigation, sensors, and system design. Graduates will be well-positioned for careers in aerospace engineering, R&D roles, or academia. The project also fosters teamwork, problem-solving, and technical communication skills—highly valued across industries.

At a glance

• Application deadline: 23 Jul 2025
• Award type(s): PhD
• Start date: 29 Sep 2025
• Duration of award: 3 years
• Eligibility: UK
• Reference number: SATM596

Entry requirements

Applicants should have an equivalent of a 1st or 2:1 UK honours degree or MSc degree (Distinction/Merit) in engineering, computer science, or other closely related fields. Experience with ROS and proficient programming language skills (C++, Python, MATLAB) would be an advantage. The successful applicant will carry out research activities in the domain described earlier and will disseminate research outputs through scientific publications, software development, seminars and conference presentations.

Funding

This is industry funded project, funded by two big aerospace primes. Funding will cover tuition fees, plus a stipend based upon the current Research Council rate of £20,780 per year (plus a cost of living increase of 3% in years 2 and 3). Funds will be available for selected major conference events, a laptop, and travel to partner meetings as required.

How to apply

To apply for this PhD opportunity please complete the application form using the 'Apply' button above. 

For further information please contact:      

Name: Mr Angelos Plastropoulos

Email: a.plastropoulos@cranfield.ac.uk

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