Funding

Self-funded

Project code

SEM10360526

Start dates

October, February and April

Application deadline

Applications accepted all year round

Applications are invited for a self-funded, 3 year full-time or 6 year part-time PhD project.

The PhD will be based in the School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (SEME) and will be supervised by Dr Antigoni Barouni.

The work on this project will:

  •    Develop advanced sustainable composite structures for structural applications
  •    Significantly improve the performance of natural fibres and their fracture toughness
  •    Introduce the use of natural fibres for extreme environmental conditions (cryogenic, humidity, UV etc.)

Carbon fibre composite materials exhibit very high structural performance with low weight, making them excellent for advanced and highly demanding applications. Nowadays, however, the recycling potential of carbon fibre composites and the energy related to their manufacturing processes are proven very challenging, in an attempt to create a more sustainable approach to materials usage. Therefore, the hybridisation of carbon fibre composites with natural or bio-based reinforcements is a promising route, to achieve similar properties with the conventional material.

This PhD will investigate experimental methods to improve the fracture toughness of hybrid carbon/flax fibre reinforced composite materials through appropriate testing using Double Cantilever Beam (DCB) and End-Notch Flexure (ENF) testing configurations. These tests will evaluate the Mode I and Mode II fracture toughness of the material assisted by Digital Image Correlation (DIC) and thermography to provide valuable insights into the damage initiation and propagation. 

When hybrid composite laminates are used, that combine two or more types of fibres in the same structure, compatibility issues arise between the fibres as well as with the matrix material. Being layered structures, they exhibit low fracture toughness and the presence of flax reduces that toughness further. These issues will be addressed with techniques to enhance the material’s toughness, using fibre treatments (such as alkaline treatment or UV surface treatment) and nanoparticles reinforcement (e.g. graphene, MXenes) in the composite laminate. 

The effect of temperature on the fracture toughness of the composite laminates will also be investigated, in an attempt to quantify the damage propagation and extend in cryogenic conditions, particularly for liquid hydrogen storage applications. Additionally, the effect of other weathering conditions will be investigated (such as humidity, UV radiation, etc.) in the fracture toughness of the material.

The PhD will provide extensive experience and expertise on composite materials fabrication, treatment strategies, composite mechanics and experimental characterisation.

 

Fees and funding

Visit the research subject area page for fees and funding information for this project.

Funding availability: Self-funded PhD students only. 

PhD full-time and part-time courses are eligible for the UK Government Doctoral Loan (UK and EU students only).

Entry requirements

You'll need a good first degree from an internationally recognised university (minimum upper second class or equivalent, depending on your chosen course) or a Master’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or Materials Science or a related area, with a background in continuum mechanics. In exceptional cases, we may consider equivalent professional experience and/or Qualifications. English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.

How to apply

We’d encourage you to contact Dr Antigoni Barouni (antigoni.barouni@port.ac.uk) to discuss your interest before you apply, quoting the project code.

When you are ready to apply, please follow the 'Apply now' link on the Electronic Engineering PhD subject area page and select the link for the relevant intake. Make sure you submit a personal statement, proof of your degrees and grades, details of two referees, proof of your English language proficiency and an up-to-date CV.  Our ‘How to Apply’ page offers further guidance on the PhD application process.

If you want to be considered for this self-funded PhD opportunity you must quote project code SEM10360526 when applying.