ZENITH PhD project: Elastic tailoring of composite winglet-wing systems for enhanced performance

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Bath is inviting applications for this funded PhD project expected to start in September 2024.

An enhanced stipend of £21,010 per year is available to candidates who qualify for Home fee status and, thanks to the University of Bath’s Vice Chancellor’s International Scholarships initiative, a stipend of £13,890 can be offered to International students meeting the criteria for this scholarship. Please see the Funding Eligibility section below for more information.

This PhD project is one of seven projects funded through an exciting new collaboration between the University of Bath and GKN (with other projects advertised separately).

Project description

This project aims to investigate the application of elastic tailoring to enhance the performance and efficiency of aircraft wings through modification of winglets. Elastic tailoring involves manipulating structural characteristics by exploiting the directional properties of composites to achieve desired performance objectives. The focus will be on creating new numerical methods to increase performance and reduce weight for multiple loading scenarios. The research will utilize advanced computational simulations and experimental validation to analyse the behaviour of the winglet-wing system, particularly in the post-buckling regime where nonlinear effects become significant.

You will interact closely with two other ZENITH PhD students focusing on bonded joints and manufacturing constraints, forming a collaborative effort to address various aspects of aircraft design and optimization. Synergies will be leveraged to develop comprehensive solutions that account for both structural integrity and manufacturing feasibility. This interdisciplinary approach will not only advance the understanding of elastic tailoring methods but also contribute to the broader field of aircraft design by considering the practical constraints and challenges associated with implementation. Ultimately, the outcomes of this research endeavour are anticipated to offer valuable insights for enhancing the performance and efficiency of future aircraft designs.

The closing date for applications is 30th May 2024

EPSRC Prosperity Partnership ZENITH (Zero emission: the next generation of integrated technologies for hydrogen)

This PhD is one of seven projects funded through an exciting new collaboration between the University of Bath and GKN. The other PhD projects are advertised separately.

View more information on the partnership, its aims, and technical objectives.

Candidate requirements

Applicants should hold, or expect to receive, a first-class undergraduate Masters degree or an MSc degree with distinction (or non-UK equivalents) in a relevant subject area within Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, Statistics or Mathematics.

International candidates must meet the English language entry requirements to be considered for funding.

Enquiries and applications

Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Dr Tim Harrell – th2312@bath.ac.uk

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

On your application form, in the ‘Funding your studies’ section, you must select ‘Other’ from the dropdown menu and specify ‘ZENITH studentship’ in the free-text box. You must also 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.

Funding eligibility

Candidates eligible for the Home tuition fee rate will be considered for a maintenance stipend of £21,010 per year.

Candidates eligible for the Overseas tuition fee rate, who meet the criteria for the Vice-Chancellor International Scholarship, will be considered for a maintenance stipend of £13,890 per year. You may require additional personal funds to support you while living in Bath – a sample postgraduate budget is found here.

Successful candidates will have their tuition fees covered, and have access to a research and training budget.

To check your tuition fee status, see our website or the UKCISA guidance.

Keywords

Composites, Hydrogen, Aerospace, Manufacturing, Structures, Materials, Sustainable, Decarbonisation, Cryogenics