PhD Studentship: Three-dimensional Hybrid Composites for Repair and Recycling

6 days ago


Bedford, Bedford, United Kingdom Cranfield University Full time

Location: Cranfield University

Funding for: UK Students

Funding amount: Sponsored by EPSRC and Cranfield University, this studentship will provide a bursary of up to £20,000 (tax free) plus fees* for three years.

Supervisors: Dr Geoffrey Neale

This PhD research opportunity focuses on the pioneering development of self-healing three-dimensional metal-composite hybrid materials. The innovative approach leverages through-thickness reinforcement to integrate metallic elements within the composite structure. These metallic elements act as a targeted heat source, activating re-processable matrices such as thermoplastics or vitrimers. Funded by EPSRC and Cranfield University, this project aligns with the Royal Academy of Engineering Research Fellowship initiative titled "Multifunctional Z-Direction Hybridisation of Composites," in collaboration with the University of Southampton, Laser Additive Solutions, and the National Composites Centre.

In industries reliant on high-performance composites, such as autonomous vehicles and offshore wind turbines, maintenance and repair are often arduous and costly. Operational wear and damage from isolated events like impacts can substantially compromise material integrity. Additionally, the challenge of recycling these composites at the end of their life cycle further underscores the need for innovative solutions.

This project uniquely addresses these challenges by integrating large-diameter (>1 mm) metallic hybridising elements into composite laminates, enabling intrinsic self-healing capabilities. These elements act as a localised heat source, eliminating the need for external heating apparatus during repair processes. However, to fully harness the potential of this technology for repair and recycling purposes, it is imperative to bridge the academic knowledge gap concerning the thermo-mechanical interaction between metallic TT-elements and composite constituents.

Benefiting from the state-of-the-art facilities at Cranfield University's Composites and Advanced Materials Centre, this project will encompass manufacturing process development, material parameter optimisation through finite-element simulation, and rigorous testing and validation of functionality and performance. By leveraging through-thickness reinforcement, this initiative promises a paradigm shift in composite utilisation, extending its applicability to recycling and repair scenarios. The resultant increase in structural longevity and durability will yield substantial savings in maintenance, repair, and replacement costs.

The candidate will actively engage in knowledge exchange activities, participating in manufacturing and testing trials, and attending industry conferences such as the International Conference on Composite Materials.

This role presents an unparalleled opportunity for the candidate to develop practical manufacturing skills and proficiency in process/performance simulation, with a focus on through-thickness reinforcement—an area of high demand within the UK's composite industry. Furthermore, involvement in mentoring MSc students will cultivate invaluable people management and learning support skills, enhancing the candidate's overall professional development.

Entry Requirements

Applicants should have an equivalent of first or second class UK honours degree or equivalent in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science/Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Chemical Engineering or related discipline. The candidates should be self-motivated, have good communication skills, and an interest in industrial/practical research.

Funding & Sponsorship

Sponsored by EPSRC and Cranfield University, this DTP studentship will provide a bursary of up to £20,000 (tax free) plus fees* for three years.

To be eligible for this funding, applicants must be classified as a home student. We require that applicants are under no restrictions regarding how long they can stay in the UK.

£20,000 (tax free) plus fees* for three years.



  • Bedford, Bedford, United Kingdom Cranfield University Full time

    Research Project Title: Establishing the Potential for Improved Management of Intermittent Sewage Discharges with Nature-based SolutionsApplication closing date: 17/07/24Start date: 30/09/2024 Type of opportunityFully-funded studentshipEligibility & Related Project DetailsType of studentship: CDTFee status of eligible applicants: UK and...


  • Bedford, Bedford, United Kingdom Cranfield University Full time

    Start date: 30/09/2024 Sponsored by EPSRC and Cranfield University, this DTP studentship will provide a bursary of up to £20,000 (tax free) plus fees* for three years. Fee status of eligible applicants: UKDuration *: 3 years 1st Supervisor: Dr Liang Yang 2nd Supervisor: Dr Liyun LaoThis exciting fully funded PhD is sponsored by EPSRC, with an enhanced...


  • Bedford, Bedford, United Kingdom Cranfield University Full time

    Start date: 30/09/2024 Sponsored by EPSRC and Cranfield University, this DTP studentship will provide a bursary of up to £20,000 (tax free) plus fees* for three years. Fee status of eligible applicants: UKDuration *: 3 years 1st Supervisor: Dr Liang Yang 2nd Supervisor: Dr Liyun LaoThis exciting fully funded PhD is sponsored by EPSRC, with an enhanced...


  • Bedford, Bedford, United Kingdom Cranfield University Full time

    Start date: 30/09/2024Eligibility & Related Project Details Fee status of eligible applicants: Any Fee Status (Uk/EU & RoW)Duration of Award: 3 years 1st Supervisor: Prof Zhugen Yang Sponsorship5-year Leverhulme Trust Leadership Award, this will provide a bursary up to £18,000 (tax free) plus tuition fees for three years for UK students (The total funds can...


  • Bedford, Bedford, United Kingdom Cranfield University Full time

    Start date: 30/09/2024Eligibility & Related Project Details Fee status of eligible applicants: Any Fee Status (Uk/EU & RoW)Duration of Award: 3 years 1st Supervisor: Prof Zhugen Yang Sponsorship5-year Leverhulme Trust Leadership Award, this will provide a bursary up to £18,000 (tax free) plus tuition fees for three years for UK students (The total funds can...


  • Bedford, Bedford, United Kingdom Cranfield University Full time

    Start date: 30/09/2024Eligibility & Related Project Details Fee status of eligible applicants: Any Fee Status (Uk/EU & RoW)Duration of Award: 3 years 1st Supervisor: Prof Zhugen Yang Sponsorship5-year Leverhulme Trust Leadership Award, this will provide a bursary up to £18,000 (tax free) plus tuition fees for three years for UK students (The total funds can...


  • Bedford, Bedford, United Kingdom Cranfield University Full time

    Research Project Title: Unveiling and enhancing nature-based solutions for mitigating emerging micropollutants Application closing date: 17/07/2024 Start date: 30/09/2024 Studentship funding Sponsored by EPSRC, the Water Research Centre (WRc), and four UK water utilities, this studentship will provide a bursary of £24,000 per year with fees paid. All...


  • Bedford, Bedford, United Kingdom Cranfield University Full time

    Start date: 30/09/2024 Studentship fundingSponsored by EPSRC and Royal HaskoningDHV, this studentship will provide a bursary of £24,000 per year with fees paid. All training and placement (overseas/industry) costs will also be covered, subject to supervisor approval. Type of opportunityFully-funded studentship - Opportunities which are fully funded (e.g....


  • Bedford, Bedford, United Kingdom Cranfield University Full time

    AHRC Collaborative Doctoral PartnershipApplications are invited for a PhD studentship, to be undertaken at Cranfield University (CU, Defence Chemistry Department) and the National Archives (TNA). This studentship will be jointly supervised by Dr Licia Dossi and Dr Fiona Brock at CU and Dr Marc Vermeulen and Dr Elizabeth Haines at TNA. The student will be...


  • Bedford, Bedford, United Kingdom Cranfield University Full time

    AHRC Collaborative Doctoral PartnershipApplications are invited for a PhD studentship, to be undertaken at Cranfield University (CU, Defence Chemistry Department) and the National Archives (TNA). This studentship will be jointly supervised by Dr Licia Dossi and Dr Fiona Brock at CU and Dr Marc Vermeulen and Dr Elizabeth Haines at TNA. The student will be...


  • Bedford, Bedford, United Kingdom Cranfield University Full time

    Start date: 30/09/2024 Studentship funding Sponsored by EPSRC and Sellafield Ltd, this CDT studentship will provide a bursary of £24,000 per annum plus fees at the home rate for four years. Type of opportunity: Fully-funded Eligibility & Related Project DetailsType of studentship: CDTFee status of eligible applicants: UK and InternationalDuration of Award...


  • Bedford, Bedford, United Kingdom Cranfield University Full time

    Start date: 30/09/2024 Funding This fully funded studentship sponsored by Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and supported by Lipton Teas and Infusions will provide a bursary starting at £19,237 (tax free) plus UK tuition fees for four years. Type of opportunityFully-funded studentship - Opportunities which are fully funded (e.g....


  • Bedford, Bedford, United Kingdom Cranfield University Full time

    Start date: 30/09/2024 Funding This fully funded studentship sponsored by Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and supported by Lipton Teas and Infusions will provide a bursary starting at £19,237 (tax free) plus UK tuition fees for four years. Type of opportunityFully-funded studentship - Opportunities which are fully funded (e.g....

  • PhD Studentship

    6 days ago


    Bedford, Bedford, United Kingdom Cranfield University Full time

    This exciting fully funded PhD, sponsored by EPSRC CDT Water Infrastructure and Resilience II (WIRe II), offers an enhanced stipend of £24,000 per annum with all fees covered. The project, titled "ViruISGE: Virus Research In Surface- and Ground watEr," focuses on optimizing chlorine contact tanks for effective virus removal in drinking water. The research...


  • Bedford, Bedford, United Kingdom Cranfield University Full time

    Location: Cranfield UniversityFunding for: UK StudentsFunding amount: Sponsored by EPSRC, Rolls-Royce and Cranfield University, this studentship will provide a bursary of up to £18,622 (tax free) plus fees per annum for four years.Supervisors: Professor David MacManusThis fully funded PhD in propulsion system aerodynamics is offered in collaboration with...


  • Bedford, Bedford, United Kingdom Cranfield University Full time

    Location: Cranfield UniversitySupervisors: Professor Panos LaskaridisWe are offering a fully funded PhD studentship in collaboration with BAE Systems, providing a unique opportunity to work with a leading aerospace organisation at the forefront of advanced aircraft technologies. We seek enthusiastic, inquisitive, and motivated researchers with a strong...


  • Bedford, Bedford, United Kingdom Cranfield University Full time

    Location: Cranfield UniversitySupervisors: Professor Panos LaskaridisWe are offering a fully funded PhD studentship in collaboration with BAE Systems, providing a unique opportunity to work with a leading aerospace organisation at the forefront of advanced aircraft technologies. We seek enthusiastic, inquisitive, and motivated researchers with a strong...


  • Bedford, Bedford, United Kingdom The Susu Tech Full time

    Copart is the global leader in online vehicle remarketing and recycling and are looking to recruit a collaborative and ROI focussed Marketing Executive to join our Marketing team, based at our Head Office in Wootton, Bedfordshire. We have seen large scale growth since we entered the UK market in 2007 and have exciting plans to continue this growth in both...


  • Bedford, Bedford, United Kingdom Solid people Full time

    Senior Structures Design Engineer IR35 Status: InsideHourly Rate - Circa £55 per hourContract Term - 3 months Location - Hybrid, Bradford Here is an exciting opportunity to join an innovative forward-thinking company who are at the forefront of redefining what aircrafts can do. They design and manufacture safe, sustainable, and efficient aircraft.Due to the...


  • Bedford, Bedford, United Kingdom CRANFIELD UNIVERSITY Full time

    School/Department: School of Aerospace, Transport and ManufacturingBased at: Cranfield Campus, Cranfield, BedfordshireHours of work: 37 hours per week, normally worked Monday to Friday. Flexible working will be considered.Contract type: Fixed term contractFixed Term Period: Until 31 December 2025Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range of...