PhD Studentship: Stochastic process modelling of short-fibre composites

Funding amount

Minimum tax-free stipend at the current UKRI rate is £20,780 for 2025/26, and RTSG £7000

Hours: Full-time

Closing date: 30 October 2025

The project:

This PhD studentship is an exciting opportunity to work at the intersection of composites structures and composites manufacturing with a particular focus on sustainability. The PhD project aims to develop state-of-the-art computational methods to optimise the quality of doubly curved shell structures manufactured from recycled, short-fibre composites. A particular novelty of the research will be the inclusion stochastic elements in the simulations with the goal of minimising manufacturing variability and defect generation, i.e. robust manufacturing.

The outputs of the work will directly influence the development of high-performance demonstrators that are being developed as part of a larger project focusing on recycled composite materials funded by a UKRI Fellowship. Through this larger project the PhD student will also have access to personal development opportunities (e.g. research communication and entrepreneurship training) and the ability to interact with two spin-out companies Lineat and iCOMAT.

The PhD project will involve the following technical tasks:

1. To develop a bespoke simulation environment for forming doubly-curved shell structures from recycled, short-fibre composites
2. To propagate uncertainty in material behaviour through these models using uncertainty quantification/machine-learning (UQ/ML) algorithms
3. To optimise the manufacturing process with the help of the simulation tool
4. To support in the development and manufacture of demonstrator structures

Overall, the PhD student will have the ability to develop advanced skills at the intersection of structural mechanics, manufacturing process dynamics, and uncertainty quantification. The interrelation of these three topic areas is increasingly important for future lightweight and sustainable composite structures.

The ideal PhD candidate will enjoy working on finite-element based modelling, the application of mathematical concepts from UQ/ML to practical problems, and an understanding of scripting/programming. Individuals with an applied mathematics background who have an interest in material science, manufacturing, and/or process modelling are particularly encouraged to apply.

How to apply:

Prior to submitting an online application, you will need to contact the project supervisor to discuss.

Online applications are made by clicking the 'Apply' button, above.

Please select Aerospace Phd on the Programme Choice page.

You will be prompted to enter details of the studentship in the Funding and Research Details sections of the form.

Candidate requirements: 

Applicants must hold/achieve a minimum of a merit at master’s degree level (or international equivalent) in a science, mathematics or engineering discipline. Applicants without a master's qualification may be considered on an exceptional basis, provided they hold a first-class undergraduate degree. Please note, acceptance will also depend on evidence of readiness to pursue a research degree.

If English is not your first language, you need to meet this profile level: Profile E
Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.

Funding:  Minimum tax-free stipend at the current UKRI rate is £20,780 for 2025/26.

For eligibility and residence requirements please check the UKRI UK Research and Innovation website

3.5 years of funding

£7000 RTSG

Contacts:

For questions about the research topic, please contact:

Rainer Groh (Rainer.groh@bristol.ac.uk)

For questions about eligibility and the application process please contact:

Engineering Postgraduate Research Admissions admissions-engpgr@bristol.ac.uk

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