PhD Studentship: Hydrogen Permeation and Embrittlement in Aerospace Alloys: Advanced Surface Engineering Strategies

Overview: Fully Funded, £24,000 Tax-Free Stipend, Industrial Placement with Frazer-Nash Consultancy

Join the UK’s pioneering EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Net Zero Aviation, where you'll collaborate with academia and industry to develop innovative solutions for a sustainable aviation future. This unique, fully funded PhD, hosted by Cranfield University in partnership with Frazer-Nash Consultancy, will tackle a major challenge in hydrogen aviation: ensuring the safety and durability of metallic materials used in infrastructure.

Research Focus

Hydrogen-powered aviation is central to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050, but widespread adoption faces a critical hurdle: hydrogen embrittlement. This phenomenon causes metals to weaken when exposed to hydrogen, raising safety and reliability concerns in aircraft systems and infrastructure.

This PhD will investigate how hydrogen interacts with aerospace-grade steels under realistic operating conditions—including cyclic loading, surface treatments, and exposure to gaseous impurities. Using both experimental testing and finite element modelling, you’ll help develop practical guidelines to mitigate hydrogen embrittlement and enable safer, more efficient hydrogen infrastructure.

The project directly supports the UK’s Jet Zero Strategy, contributing essential knowledge for advancing hydrogen technologies in aviation.

Why Apply?

You’ll be part of an interdisciplinary, inclusive community with access to:

• World-leading hydrogen testing and aerospace facilities at Cranfield.
• Structured, cohort-based training across Cranfield, Cardiff, and Strathclyde Universities, plus the National Centre for Atmospheric Science.
• A minimum 3-month industrial placement with Frazer-Nash Consultancy, a key Net Zero technology leader.
• Opportunities to attend and present at international conferences (expenses covered).
• Mentorship from academic and industry experts.
• Networking across a wide alliance of 40+ industrial, academic, and governmental partners.

Through this, you’ll build advanced skills in materials science, fatigue analysis, hydrogen-material interaction, and sustainable aerospace design—setting you up for leadership roles in academia, industry, or policy.

Candidate Profile

We’re seeking applicants with a first or upper-second class UK honours degree (or equivalent) in:

• Materials science
• Aerospace, mechanical or chemical engineering
• Physics, or related fields

Experience in materials testing or hydrogen systems is welcome but not essential. We value curiosity, determination, and a collaborative mindset above all.

We strongly encourage applications from underrepresented groups, career returners, mature students, and individuals with non-traditional backgrounds. Flexible working arrangements and tailored support are available.

Key Details

• Start Date: 29 September 2025
• Application Deadline: 14 May 2025
• Duration: 4 years
• Funding: UK students only | £24,000/year tax-free stipend | Conference & placement costs covered
• Reference: SATM561

Selection Process

Applicants will complete a two-stage interview:

• A short introductory interview (20 min)
• A second, more detailed interview including a 15-minute presentation on your motivation and alignment with the CDT’s goals.

How to apply

To apply please click above 'Apply' button above to be redirected to our website.

For further information please contact:

Name: Dr. Francesco Fanicchia
Email: Francesco.fanicchia@cranfield.ac.uk

If you are eligible to apply for this studentship, please complete the online application form.

Please note that applications will be reviewed as they are received. Therefore, we encourage early submission, as the position may be filled before the stated deadline.

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