PhD Studentship: Understanding Hydrogen's Impact on Metal Durability for Zero-Emission Aviation

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

Be part of a transformative research community tackling the future of sustainable flight. This fully funded PhD is offered through the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Net Zero Aviation—the world’s first Centre of Excellence focused on aviation decarbonisation.

Based at Cranfield University and in collaboration with Frazer-Nash Consultancy, this project focuses on addressing one of the most critical barriers to hydrogen-powered aviation: hydrogen embrittlement. You'll help develop robust methodologies to ensure the safe, efficient use of metals in hydrogen infrastructure for aviation applications.

Research Focus

Hydrogen offers a game-changing opportunity to slash aviation emissions. However, it introduces serious material challenges. Hydrogen embrittlement can weaken key metallic components, threatening the safety and durability of aircraft systems and ground infrastructure.

This PhD project will combine advanced materials testing and finite element modelling to explore hydrogen-material interactions, particularly in ferritic and austenitic steels. You’ll investigate how these materials behave under real-world conditions—cyclic loading, gas impurities, and variable surface states—and design solutions to prevent hydrogen-induced failures.

Outcomes from this work will directly impact the safe design of hydrogen storage, refuelling, and transport infrastructure in aviation, contributing to the UK’s Jet Zero and Net Zero goals.

What You’ll Gain

You will:

• Conduct hands-on research using state-of-the-art hydrogen testing facilities at Cranfield University.
• Develop skills in material characterisation, fatigue testing, hydrogen permeation analysis, and numerical modelling.
• Collaborate closely with Frazer-Nash Consultancy, a leading engineering and technology firm at the forefront of Net Zero innovation.

As a member of the CDT’s multidisciplinary training cohort, you’ll also benefit from:

• Modular training across Cranfield, Cardiff, and Strathclyde Universities, plus the National Centre for Atmospheric Science.
• An industry-focused research placement (minimum 3 months, fully funded).
• Access to a network of 40+ industrial, government, and academic partners.
• Opportunities to present at international conferences (expenses covered).
• Mentorship, technical development, and leadership training.

You’ll graduate with a rare blend of expertise in materials science, hydrogen engineering, and sustainable infrastructure design—ideal for leadership roles across industry, government, and academia.

Candidate Profile

Applicants should hold a first or second-class UK honours degree (or equivalent) in materials science, aerospace, mechanical or chemical engineering, physics, or related disciplines. Experience in materials research or hydrogen systems is helpful but not required. Curiosity, problem-solving ability, and a passion for sustainable innovation are most important.

We strongly encourage applications from underrepresented groups, mature learners, career returners, and those needing flexible study arrangements.

At a Glance

• Start Date: 29 September 2025
• Deadline: 14 May 2025
• Duration: 4 years
• Location: Cranfield University
• Eligibility: UK applicants only
• Reference: SATM561 

Interview Process

Applicants will undergo a two-stage interview. The second stage includes a 15-minute presentation on your motivations and how your skills align with the CDT’s mission.

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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