Current project opportunities

This taught doctoral training programme, focuses on the skills and expertise needed for future leaders to address the design, manufacture and assurance of composite products. You will:

• gain in-depth knowledge of composite materials and their use, with a focus on sustainability and the circular economy
• conduct cutting edge, industrially relevant research
• benefit from a structured professional development programme tailored to your career aspirations in industry or academia.

There are many challenges in understanding the behaviour of composite materials and structures. These projects seek to develop new manufacturing routes, design concepts, analysis procedures and solutions.  

 

EngD on Use of Sustainable and Fire Retardant Polymer Damping Materials and Recycling Methods for Marine Applications sponsored by TODS Technology

Imagine a greener world where composite materials are both multifunctional and sustainable – in this EngD you will design, develop, and engineer next-generation marine materials targeting key functional, structural, and environmental requirements now and into the future. Multifunctional materials are ‘disruptive’ gamechangers, and we are therefore seeking a dynamic forward-thinking individual with the ability to design environmentally friendly net zero solutions which transitions seamlessly between functional and structural materials on both the local level and within the global structure. Currently, there is no clear environmental policy on end-of-life disposal or specific recycling requirements for multifunctional materials. However, environmental requirements are now starting to emerge on the global mission to achieve net zero. Our industrial partner (TODS Technology) is committed to contributing to this environmental remit and require dedicated research on effective recycling methods and the use of more sustainable multifunctional matrix materials that do not significantly degrade structural, physical and long-term environmental performance. The EngD student will:  

• Conduct a detailed critical review to establish best current practice for the marine sector and create new practices that enable environmental sustainability.   
• Select appropriate recycling methods and new candidate sustainable and multifunctional matrix materials aligned to the requirements of the industrial partner.   
• Identify appropriate efficient manufacturing processes to produce candidate materials and proof-of-concept demonstrators.   
• Devise a comprehensive characterisation campaign to investigate structural and multifunctional performance, and environmental compatibility through-life and at the end-of-life.   
• Be conducted in close collaboration with the Engineering Design Hub at Tods Technology with the final three years of the programme utilising their expertise and facilities in an industrial setting for scale-up.   

Eligibility: UK citizens only subject to security clearance

To apply please submit a personal statement, outlining your experience and why you are interested in the EngD project, your CV and transcript of results to https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/. Please include the project title in the project description field and select EngD in Composites Manufacture. Please enter Professor Janice Barton the Director of the CDT as the 2^nd supervisor (janice.barton@bristol.ac.uk) and indicate that the funding is provided by the CDT in Innovation for Sustainable Composites Engineering.

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EngD on Double Diaphragm Forming for Sustainable Composites Manufacturing sponsored by Syensqo

Double diaphragm forming (DDF) is a promising means of producing sustainable fibre-reinforced composites, offering key advantages over traditional autoclave processing of prepreg sheet materials. The benefits, including reduced manual labour and shorter process times, align with the broader goals of environmentally responsible manufacturing, material efficiency, and high-performance composite production. Despite these benefits DDF for larger volume manufacturing achieving defect-free components remains a challenge, as numerous interdependent material and process parameters are involved that are difficult to optimise manually. Maintaining precise fibre orientation to prevent localised wrinkling, requires careful control, otherwise DDF components are prone to defects, which may exhibit inferior mechanical properties compared to those produced using traditional processes. Further challenges exist in understanding the temperature sensitivity and differing cure cycles of the component sheet materials as well a dealing with their directional properties because of the anisotropic nature of the prepreg sheets. Achieving the desired geometry in a defect free DDF finished component requires careful selection of materials and processing parameters. The EngD student will: 

• Develop a reliable simulation model to identify suitable material combinations to substantially reduce, or even eliminate, the need for physical feasibility trials. 
• Define a suite of deployable tools and predictive models to identify optimal polymer film and prepreg chemistry combinations over a range of cure cycles.  
• Provide you with hands-on experience at one of the world’s leading specialty chemicals companies, working with real-world industrial-scale composite manufacture, alongside state-of-the-art composite materials. 
• Deepen your passion for automated manufacturing processes, driving the development of sustainable composite structures for high-performance applications, preparing you for a career at the intersection of innovation and industry. 
• Support Syensqo’s ambition of promoting DDF in the composites industry by developing the knowledge, skills and end-user tools.   

Eligibility: Home/permanent UK residents subject to security clearance

To apply please submit a personal statement, outlining your experience and your interests in the EngD project, plus your CV and transcript of results to  

https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/pgstudy/how-to-apply/apply-online.aspx   

Please do not submit a project description; this is unnecessary as the project is already defined. Please enter Professor Lee Harper as the main supervisor (lee.harper@nottingham.ac.uk) and indicate that the funding is being provided by the CDT in Innovation for Sustainable Composites Engineering.  

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EngD on Artificial Intelligence for Systems Engineering sponsored by NCC

Model-based Systems Engineering (MBSE) is set to become an essential element for building complex future systems that require enhanced collaboration and interconnectedness. This is made possible through unified Modelling and Simulation approaches, which can rapidly iterate design concepts and perform parallel, multi-disciplinary assessments of key performance criteria, including compliance against a wide range of customer expectations and regulatory demands. The development of this approach is, however, still in its infancy. 

The data-driven, highly-structured nature of MBSE aligns exactly with the requirements and ethos of the current AI revolution. Despite a lack of attention to-date, it is a prime candidate to leverage the benefits of automation, generation, and efficiency that AI has proven in many domains. The aim is to move beyond the current state-of-the-art of systems engineering: “the application of systems thinking to the realisation of stakeholder needs, when developing engineered products and services” by introducing modern, and future, digital technologies for the rapid development and evaluation of novel and innovative system architectures. 

The ultimate ambition is to develop artificial intelligence (AI) tools and code that can be utilised in MBSE to provide underpinning capability to improve efficiency and productivity throughout the design and development of complex products. As such, this project will offer the prospect student a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of AI-based systems engineering. The EngD student will: 

• Conduct a state-of-the-art (SOTA) overview of current AI methods, tools and algorithmic approaches, identifying where they offer the most value within engineering workflows.  
• Based on the SOTA, identify gaps and opportunities for MBSE approaches and tools. 
• Utilise 3D models that incorporate AI to accelerate discovery, development and demonstration of novel system architectures. 
• Implement novel ideas in realistic Systems Engineering scenarios at NCC, HVMC and other national initiatives focussing on tools, techniques and practices to improve efficiency, quality and value.  
• Demonstrate the benefits of MBSE in early product lifecycle, such as; defining requirements, planning and assessment, concept development and system architecture exploration.  
• Investigate implementation of MBSE in verification, validation and uncertainty analysis/quantification by generating evidence to provide traceability, confidence and supporting evidence for product certification and compliance. 
• Be based primarily at NCC and interact directly and closely with the appropriate technical staff and experts. It is likely that the main context of the project will move within a composite-based research space, supporting a priority high-value sector such as aerospace/space, however, a focus on broader topics is also possible.  

Eligibility: Home/permanent UK residents subject to security clearance

To apply please submit a personal statement, outlining your experience and why you are interested in the EngD project, your CV and transcript of results to https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/. Please include the project title in the project description field and select EngD in Composites Manufacture. Please enter Professor Janice Barton the Director of the CDT as the 2^nd supervisor (janice.barton@bristol.ac.uk) and indicate that the funding is provided by the CDT in Innovation for Sustainable Composites Engineering.

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EngD on Novel design and manufacturing concepts for enhanced aerostructure competitiveness sponsored by Rolls-Royce

High-performance composite materials are a key enabler for lightweight construction of aerostructures. Hence, they are one of the key technologies on the Rolls-Royce UltraFan® demonstrator aero engine, which offers a 25% fuel burn improvement on the first generation of Trent engine. However, significant opportunities remain to more highly tailor composite designs to make use of the wide range of fibres, resin matrices and fibre architectures that can be realised with new and non-conventional manufacturing automation technologies such as rapid tow shearing, 3D weaving, tailored and dry fibre placement, discrete patch placement and braiding.  The EngD project will: 

• Explore the constraints of conventional laminate design rules to discover if improved materials, manufacturing technologies and design tools can unlock dramatic improvements in component weight, thickness, performance, and durability - while attaining the required production rates, costs and quality 
• Investigate new manufacturing routes such rapid tow shearing, tailored, dry fibre placement and automated fibre placement steering capability and their impact on deposition rates and laminate design improvement 
• Consider non-conventional stacking sequences, ply orientations and mixed reinforcement materials to tailor performance and failure behaviour 
• Examine novel material and architectural concepts and innovations, such as those developed EPSRC research programmes HiPerDuct and NextCOMP. 
• Study simplifications of manufacturing processes through function integration (e.g., co-moulding of metallic and non-metallic protective materials, including erosion coatings and paint) 
• Excite your interest in developing new design freedoms for aerostructures to deliver impactful performance and rate capability advantages. 

Eligibility: Home/permanent UK residents subject to security clearance

To apply please submit a personal statement, outlining your experience and why you are interested in the EngD project, your CV and transcript of results to https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/. Please include the project title in the project description field and select EngD in Composites Manufacture. Please enter Professor Janice Barton the Director of the CDT as the 2^nd supervisor (janice.barton@bristol.ac.uk) and indicate that the funding is provided by the CDT in Innovation for Sustainable Composites Engineering.

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PhD on Adaptive 4D Printing materials for accelerated environmental actuation sponsored by Dstl

Advanced concepts in 4D printing, a manufacturing paradigm in which 3D‑printed materials are engineered to change shape or function over time in response to external stimuli are explored in this project. The research focuses on hygromorph and poligromorph composites—innovative material systems that act as structural actuators when triggered by environmental factors such as humidity, water or hydrocarbons. These materials enable the development of smart and morphing structures capable of autonomous adaptation, with potential applications ranging from aerospace to sustainable architecture. Despite their promise, current hygromorph/poligromorph-based systems remain constrained by limited actuation speed, as well as challenges in long-term structural integrity and repeatability of their responses. This PhD will address these critical limitations, aiming to unlock faster, more reliable, and durable morphing performance. The PhD student will: 

• Design, develop, and characterise multifunctional, sustainable, and nano-enabled coatings and material formulations for 4D printing systems, with a focus on enhancing absorption/desorption kinetics. 
• Evaluate and validate improvements in structural integrity and accelerated adsorption/desorption behaviour in existing 4D-printed hygromorph materials, using advanced mechanical and materials testing facilities at the University of Bristol. 
• Contribute to the design of lab-scale demonstrators incorporating these novel 4D-printed materials, enabling testing under diverse loading and environmental conditions (including vibration, temperature/humidity variations, and electromagnetic fields), and assess their performance in terms of actuation authority and repeatability. 
• Interact with researchers and partners from France (IRDL Lorient, UTBM Belfort Montbeliard, INSA Lyon) as a part of a UK-France joint project on 4D printed materials systems.  

Eligibility: UK citizens subject to security clearance 

To apply please submit a personal statement, outlining your experience and why you are interested in the PhD project, your CV and transcript of results to https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/. Please include the project title in the project description field and select PhD in Advanced Composites. Please enter Professor Janice Barton the Director of the CDT as the 2^nd supervisor (janice.barton@bristol.ac.uk) and indicate that the funding is provided by the CDT in Innovation for Sustainable Composites Engineering.

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EngD on Adaptive Manufacturing sponsored by NCC  

Several key high value products include wind turbine blades, aircraft wings and other high-performing large composite structures are manufactured using a composite resin infusion process. The current manual nature of aspects of the production present several unique challenges. These can be address through the introduction of technologies such as AI/Machine Learning, advanced sensors, and the internet of things (IoT). These have enabled a new field of engineering called Adaptive Manufacturing as a potential route to transform manufacturing processes, whereby engineers no longer specify process parameters such as temperatures or pressures but instead specify quality or output requirements. In the context of composites this could be specifying the need for a fully infused part, or a defined degree of cure. The manufacturing system comprises Artificial Intelligence models, which utilises sensor information to control actuation systems, and then steers the manufacturing process in real time to deliver the desired output. Adaptive Manufacturing is a subset of Digital Twinning, and much of the deployed technology used can also serve additional functions such as developing digital part passports or performing automated part quality assurance. The EngD project will: 

• Explore the concept of adaptive manufacturing technology readiness and accelerate its adoption into industry.
• Train machine learning (ML) models to monitor processes is real time to identify defect evolution and take corrective action. 
• Investigate the possibility of using the data collected during the manufacturing process as a means to automatic quality assurance. 
• Build and deploy system components such as ML models, sensor arrays and actuators into physical demonstrators that showcase the benefits of adaptive manufacturing in operation. 
• Excite your interest in developing right every time composite manufacturing procedures that can be used in a wide range of processes.  

Eligibility: Home/permanent UK residents subject to security clearance 

To apply please submit a personal statement, outlining your experience and why you are interested in the EngD project, your CV and transcript of results to https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/. Please include the project title in the project description field and select EngD in Composites Manufacture. Please enter Professor Janice Barton the Director of the CDT as the 2nd supervisor (janice.barton@bristol.ac.uk) and indicate that the funding is provided by the CDT in Innovation for Sustainable Composites Engineering. 

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