PhD Studentship: Centre for Doctoral Training in Composite Materials, Sustainability and Manufacture

Award: PhD

Duration: 4 years

Department: Mechanical, Materials and Manufacturing Engineering

Funding: A tax-free enhanced stipend of £24,917 per annum and tuition fees for four years, subject to satisfactory research progress.

Eligibility: Funding is available for Home students (permanent UK residency)

Start: Flexible from September 2024

Applications are invited to undertake a PhD programme within the Centre for Doctoral Training for Sustainable Composites Manufacturing, based at the University of Nottingham. The student will undertake an industrially focused project, conducting cutting-edge research to address the key challenges in achieving sustainable manufacture of fibre-reinforced polymer composites. Students will follow a taught programme of exciting composite-specific modules at the University of Bristol, as part of a large national cohort.

Candidate profile:

We are looking for highly-motivated students who are interested in conducting stimulating research and have a passion for finding sustainable solutions. The successful candidate will hold a minimum 2:1 masters degree in a relevant engineering or physical science discipline. Applicants without a masters qualification may be considered on an exceptional basis, providing they hold a first-class undergraduate degree.

The candidate will be expected to work independently, including extensive laboratory work and some numerical modelling. Previous knowledge of composites and composites manufacturing will be beneficial, along with experience in finite element analysis. The ability to communicate confidently and clearly with external stakeholders is essential.

The successful candidate will join the University of Nottingham’s Composites Research Group to:

• Work with leading academics and industrial partners.
• Receive extensive doctoral training.
• Receive a travel and consumables allowance to support the research.
• Have access to world-leading facilities.

Project Title: Sustainable design of composite structures using waste materials

Composites manufacturing processes can generate significant amounts of in-process waste, such as offcuts of prepregs and dry fibre textiles. This project aims to find an effective way to repurpose this waste into new composite components. These discontinuous materials are expected to have reduced mechanical properties, therefore optimal use is essential to ensure the UK composites manufacturing industry can move towards a circular economy and reduce environmental impact.

• Research will explore ways to maximise the performance of discontinuous fibre composites to provide strengths comparable to those expected from virgin continuous fibre reinforcement.
• Consideration will be given to the format of these materials and how they can be processed to minimise material variability to maximise reliability.
• The work will involve liaising with our network of industrial partners to understand the nature of the discontinuous feedstock materials and to identify applications for these second-generation materials across multiple sectors.

How to apply:

Please submit an expression of interest to lee.harper@nottingham.ac.uk outlining your reasoning for choosing this specific project. This should be accompanied by your academic transcripts and a narrative CV outlining your experience and suitability for this role. Please refer to the project title in your application. Acceptance will depend on evidence of readiness to pursue a research degree and performance at interview.

Closing date: Open until a suitable candidate is appointed.

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