EPSRC DTP PhD Project: Physics-based and data-driven approach to understanding and predicting thermomechanical properties of ceramic matrix composites

The department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Bath is inviting applications for the following fully funded PhD project/studentship, expected to commence September/October 2024.

This advert may close early if a suitable candidate is identified. Early application is therefore encouraged.

Project

This PhD project is co-funded by the University of Bath and the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA). We are seeking an enthusiastic PhD candidate passionate about exploring Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs) for their application in fusion reactors, a pivotal innovation for sustainable energy.

This research will delve into the performance and safety of CMCs in the demanding environment of fusion reactors, where their high-temperature resilience and radiation resistance are crucial. The work will contribute to the advancement of fusion technology.

The PhD candidate will develop thermomechanical models for CMCs accounting for multiple physical phenomena (thermal stresses, microcracking, irradiation swelling, etc.); conduct sophisticated numerical simulations to examine the material performance in the challenging environment of fusion reactors; as well as integrate and analyse data from diverse sources using advanced statistical and machine learning techniques, enhancing the predictive capabilities of numerical models. The candidate will be working alongside experimentally focussed PhD students at other universities and UKAEA scientists to develop experimentally informed models using real experimental data from irradiated materials. There may also be opportunities to design and conduct complementary experiments as part of this PhD, such as using X-ray computed tomography and the associated image processing.

The PhD candidate will develop a broad range of skills such as advanced programming including machine learning, technical writing and communication through presenting at international conferences, project management, and a broad knowledge of nuclear fusion engineering.

This position offers a chance to make a substantial impact in the field of energy sustainability. We welcome candidates with a background in engineering, materials science, applied mathematics or a related discipline, especially those with a keen interest in computational modelling and data analysis.

Candidate Requirements

Applicants should hold, or expect to receive, a First Class or high Upper Second Class Honours degree (or the equivalent). A master’s level qualification would also be advantageous.

Non-UK applicants must meet our English language entry requirement.

Enquiries and Applications

Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Dr Yang Chen ([Email Address Removed]) or Dr Alex Leide ([Email Address Removed]).

Formal applications should be made via the University of Bath’s online application form for a PhD in Mechanical Engineering.

You must select 'EPSRC DTP' from the dropdown menu in the 'Funding your studies' section of the application form and provide the supervisor's name and project title in the 'Your PhD project' section. Failure to complete these steps will result in a delay to the processing of your application and may cause you to miss the deadline.

More information about applying for a PhD at Bath may be found on our website.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We value a diverse research environment and aim to be an inclusive university, where difference is celebrated and respected. We welcome and encourage applications from under-represented groups.

If you have circumstances that you feel we should be aware of that have affected your educational attainment, then please feel free to tell us about it in your application form. The best way to do this is a short paragraph at the end of your personal statement.

Keywords

Ceramic matrix composites; Fusion energy ; Data analysis ; Computational modelling; Multiphysics simulations