PhD Research Studentships

Mechanics-Guided Design of Advanced Lightweight Materials: Modelling, Fabrication and Optimisation

Supervisor: Wei TAN
Apply by:29 January 2025
Start in:September (Semester 1)

Description

Project Overview:

We invite applications for a PhD studentship in the exciting and rapidly growing field of advanced lightweight materials. This project focuses on the design, fabrication, and optimisation of composites and metamaterials that exhibit exceptional mechanical properties while maintaining low weight, making them ideal for high-performance applications in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and energy.

Key areas of focus include:

  1. Developing computational models and machine learning-driven approaches to predict and optimise the mechanical properties of lightweight composites and metamaterials.
  2. Investigating novel design strategies for tailoring material architecture to achieve specific functionalities, including enhanced strength-to-weight ratios, impact resistance, and thermal performance.
  3. Exploring fabrication techniques for manufacturing these advanced materials, including additive manufacturing (3D printing) and other state-of-the-art methods.
  4. Conducting experimental validation to ensure that the designed materials perform as expected under real-world conditions.
  5. Leveraging machine learning to accelerate the material discovery and optimization process by identifying optimal compositions, structures, and processing conditions.

This interdisciplinary research provides an opportunity to collaborate with leading experts and industrial partners, contributing to the development of next-generation composites and metamaterials with applications in cutting-edge technologies.

Candidate Profile:

We are looking for highly motivated candidates with a strong background in:

  • Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or Applied Physics.
  • Knowledge or experience with composites, metamaterials, or lightweight metal is desirable.
  • Skills in computational modelling, numerical simulation (e.g., finite element analysis), and programming (Python, MATLAB, or similar).
  • Familiarity with machine learning techniques and experimental methods for material characterisation is a plus.

Eligibility:

  • A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a related field.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to work in an interdisciplinary research environment.
  • Passion for advanced materials research and lightweight structures.

Funding

Funded by: China Scholarship Council
Candidate will need to secure a CSC scholarship.
Under the scheme, Queen Mary will provide scholarships to cover all tuition fees, whilst the CSC will provide living expenses and one return flight ticket to successful applicants.

Eligibility

  • The minimum requirement for this studentship opportunity is a good honours degree (minimum 2(i) honours or equivalent) or MSc/MRes in a relevant discipline.
  • If English is not your first language, you will require a valid English certificate equivalent to IELTS 6.5+ overall with a minimum score of minimum score of 6.0 in each of Writing, Listening, Reading and Speaking).
  • Candidates are expected to start in September (Semester 1).

Contact

For informal enquiries about this opportunity, please contact Wei TAN.

Apply

Start an application for this studentship and for entry onto the PhD Mechanical Engineering full-time programme (Semester 1 / September start):

Apply Now »

Please be sure to quote the reference "SEMS-PHD-604" to associate your application with this studentship opportunity.

Related website:https://wtanlab.com/
SEMS Research Centres:
Intelligent Transport
Sustainable Engineering
Keywords:Mechanical Engineering, Mechanics, Solid Mechanics, Materials Science - Other