PhD Studentship in Aeronautics: Thermo-structural Design of Hypersonic Vehicles under Extreme Material Nonlinearity (AE0085)

Start Date: 1^th October 2026

Application deadline: 26^th March 2026

Introduction: This PhD project in Thermo-structural design of hypersonic vehicles under extreme material nonlinearity 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: Using our in-house python-based nonlinear aero-thermo-structural finite element solver you will investigate, understand, and optimise the behaviour of flight structures subjected to relatively short duration intense heat spikes. This will require the incorporation of nonlinear temperature dependence, creep and relaxation simulation capabilities.  

Supervisors: Professor Matthew Santer, Dr. Paul Bruce.

Learning opportunities: You will develop an expertise in the aero-thermo-structural simulation and optimisation 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 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 (www.gov.uk/guidance/current-arms-embargoes-and-other-restrictions).

How to apply: Submit your application via our Apply webpages: www.imperial.ac.uk/study/apply/postgraduate-doctoral/application-process. When submitting your application, you will need to use the following details:

• Search course/Programme: Aeronautics Research (PhD)
• Research Topic: Please use reference number AE0085
• 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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