PhD in Advanced Composites – Centre for Doctoral Training in Innovation for Sustainable Composites Engineering

The project:

Mathematical modelling as an enabler for multi-criteria material selection in automotive design sponsored by Jaguar Land Rover 

Supervisor: Dr. Jonathan Belnoue

A method of indexing materials for their sustainability and engineering potential based on readily-available data, is urgently required in many sectors. Creation of such a multi-criteria selection will enable quantitative assessment of the combined performance trade-off between sustainability / lightweighting / mechanical / cost by way of complex mathematical/scientific ranking. Automotive component design is driven by multiple requirements, with final material selection being challenged by commercial and legal consideration.  The creation of a robust data driven weighted index will limit the subjective element of the selection process. The PhD project will:

• Examine the appropriate engineering properties (e.g. stiffness, strength, density etc), and commercial/legal constraints (e.g. affordability, minimum environmental impact, ability to meet volume etc) and develop a method of weighting these requirements to generate an objective metric capable of informing material comparisons.
• Incorporate sustainability considerations into the tool to support understanding of the impact of engineering decisions, addressing the unquantifiable nature of many sustainability credentials such as end-of-life potential, recyclability, reusability, material provenance.
• Create a predictive model to generate material indicators through a comprehensive review of existing cross-industry literature/approaches, additional testing, benchmarking including translation of customer insight and experience
• Demonstrate the tool via user trials and create a dynamic user interface
• Excite your interest in sustainability and life cycle assessment and incorporating engineering science into an accessible data base to support materials selection.

How to apply:

To apply please submit a personal statement, outlining your experience and why you are interested in the PhD project, your CV and transcript of results to https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/.

Please do not submit a project description; this is unnecessary as the project is already defined.

Please select PhD in Advance Composites and enter Professor Janice Barton the Director of the CDT as the 2^nd supervisor (janice.barton@bristol.ac.uk)

Candidate requirements:  Applicants must hold/achieve a minimum a 2:1 MEng or merit at Masters level or equivalent in engineering, physics or chemistry. 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 and performance at interview.

Funding: An enhanced stipend of £25,789 (based on UKRI 2024/25 rate), a fee waiver and generous research financial support for the successful candidates.

Contact: isce-cdt@bristol.ac.uk

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