PhD Studentship: EngD in Composites Manufacture – Centre for Doctoral Training in Innovation for Sustainable Composites Engineering

The project:

Composite forming simulation sponsored by Airbus (Supervisor Dr Jonathan Belnoue)

As the aviation industry faces increasing pressure to reduce its environmental impact, the development of lightweight, high performance composite materials offer a promising pathway to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emission. Simulations of the forming processes will enable the identification of potential manufacturing issues early in the product development stage.

Designs and production processes of composite parts can therefore be optimised leading to reduced re-work, material waste and energy consumption. The creation of simulation tools will allow for a deeper understanding of the complex behaviour of composite materials during the forming process, enabling engineers to predict how these materials will perform in industrial conditions. This foresight can lead to innovations in manufacturing techniques, ensuring that components

are not only produced more efficiently and sustainably, but also meet the stringent safety and performance standards required in aviation. The main EngD project will:

• Develop industrially applicable forming simulation methods for composite materials
• Extend current forming simulation methodologies for composite non crimp fabric material to prepreg material
• Take into account viscoelastic shear, ply by ply contact behaviour, ply shapes and component geometrical changes
• Characterise new materials, conduct experimental validations of the simulations and devise new testing protocols, e.g. for mode II tack
• Create a post processing tool to ensure correct interpretation of results
• Ensure scalability of the forming simulation to industrial realistic full stack laminates and large scale structural components
• Excite your interests in multiscale modelling of complex components to ensure sustainable manufacturing procedures.

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 EngD in Composites Manufacture 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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