Funding

Funded (UK/EU and international students)

Project code

SMDE8760124

Department

School of Mechanical and Design Engineering

Start dates

April 2024

Application deadline

19 January 2024

Applications are invited for a fully-funded three year PhD to commence in April 2024. 

The PhD will be based in the Faculty of Technology, and will be supervised by Dr Antigoni Barouni, Dr Khaled Giasin and Prof. David Sanders. 

Successful applicants will receive a bursary to cover tuition fees for three years and a stipend in line with the UKRI rate (£18,622 for 2023/24). Bursary recipients will also receive a £1,500 p.a. for project costs/consumables. 

 

The work on this project could involve:

  • Manufacturing of bio-based composite laminates 
  • Experimental characterisation of the bio-based composites through mechanical testing
  • Development of multiscale finite element (FE) model to predict the material’s performance
  • Creating, training and validating machine-learning (ML) models for the composite material’s design

 

This PhD project will focus on creating and optimising the design and manufacture of sustainable bio-based composites, employing a deep-learning artificial intelligence (AI) tool. The optimisation tool will be based on experimentally derived data, numerical simulations and process monitoring data during manufacturing.

Fibre reinforced polymer composites are an important lightweight structural material in many advanced applications, including aerospace, automotive, wind energy, space and marine sectors, with glass and carbon fibres being the most dominant types of fibres used, with low recyclability potential. The adoption of more sustainable lightweight composite materials is an environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic fibres, towards the systematic mitigation of the CO2 emissions for the materials value chain and the achievement of a climate neutral and circular economy. However, the design of these materials has been mainly based on trial-and-error methods, which are lengthy, prone to human errors and lack generality to be applied to new composites. This PhD will focus on the design and manufacture of bio-based composite materials combining plant-based natural fibres and bio-based polymer matrices, using machine-learning (ML) models to target an optimised high performance of the material combined with a reduced material waste. During the project, artificial intelligence models coupled with physics-based laws will be developed to optimise the relationship between the composite’s composition and its performance under targeted conditions. The successful candidate will combine experimental testing and computational modelling for the validation of the ML models and the overall evaluation of the bio-based composite’s performance. 

This project aligns with the Future and Emerging Technologies Research Theme of University of Portsmouth, which aims to develop ground-breaking solutions and innovations for the practical applications of AI in advanced sustainable composites design and manufacture. 

This highly industry-relevant research will pave the way for industry uptake in the aerospace, automotive and marine sector. During the project, the PhD student will have access to the world-class capabilities of the Future Technology Centre (FTC) of University of Portsmouth and will be able to work in one of the most well-equipped materials testing and characterization labs.

 

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 an appropriate subject. 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.

A solid background in composite materials and structural mechanics is required with a strong CV in simulations also needed.

 

 

 

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, you can use our online application form. 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 funded PhD opportunity you must quote project code SMDE8760124 when applying.