PhD Studentship: Fast Topology-Optimised Heat Exchangers for Circular Aircraft MRO

Supervisors: Professor Rob Hewson, Dr Ajit Panesar

Start date: October 2027

Application deadline: 4 January 2027

Introduction:

The Brahmal Institute invites applications for its October 2027 Doctoral Programme in Sustainable Aviation (DPSA). Under the 2027 strategic theme “sustainability across stakeholders”, the cohort will undertake interdisciplinary research addressing aviation sustainability from a systems perspective, recognising the interconnected roles of airports, airlines, air traffic management, aircraft and passengers. Alongside their individual projects, students will benefit from shared learning, specialist training, networking and outreach, fostering collaboration to drive system-wide change towards more sustainable aviation.

Project overview:

Develop automated topology optimisation methods that adapt spare parts to available materials and additive manufacturing equipment while preserving performance. With applications in future airport hydrogen infrastructure, the project connects phase-change thermal-fluid modelling with component durability, inventory reduction and environmental benefits across aircraft maintenance and airport ground support.

This research will combine physics-based modelling, gradient-based optimisation and scientific machine learning to evaluate heat transfer, pressure loss and structural performance. Life-cycle assessment and inventory modelling will identify whether on-demand production reduces waste, transport and environmental impacts while maintaining reliable operations.

General Information:

• Duration: 3.5 years
• Funding: Full coverage of tuition fees. a generous travel budget, and an annual tax-free stipend of £23,805.

Eligibility:

• Having obtained or expect to obtain a 1st class honours Master’s (or higher) degree in Aerospace Engineering or allied disciplines such as Computational Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mathematics, or Physics.
• Ability to develop and apply new concepts while prioritising work in response to deadlines.
• Creative approach to problem-solving.
• Ability to organise own work with minimal supervision.
• Excellent background in numerical methods, and scientific computing.
• Excellent verbal and written technical communication skills and the ability to write clearly and succinctly for publication
• Demonstrated understanding of and passion for sustainability.
• We are accepting applications from both Home and International students

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.

How to apply:

• Submit your application at: Application process | Study | Imperial College London. You will need to include the reference (BI0001) and address your application to The Brahmal Vasudevan Institute. When making your application, please type ‘Aeronautics Research (PhD)’ into the programme search bar.
• When applying, please use "Brahmal Institute" as the group.
• In lieu of a research statement, attach a one-page (A4) letter of interest to your application that contains the following information:
  • Answers to the following two questions (maximum 200 words each):
    • What steps have you taken, and what future ones will you pursue, to become a leader in sustainability?
    • Why does your background and experience make you a good fit for the Doctoral Programme in Sustainable Aviation (DPSA)?

Further Information: To learn more about Imperial College, please go to http://www.imperial.ac.uk/study/pg.

For further inquiries, contact us at brahmal-institute@imperial.ac.uk

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