PhD Studentship in MATLAB Simulations of Thermal Fatigue in Aerospace and Nuclear Materials Imperial College London in United Kingdom

Imperial College London is offering a fully funded PhD studentship in the field of Computational Mechanics of Materials, with a focus on MATLAB simulations of thermal fatigue in aerospace and nuclear materials. This exciting opportunity is based in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and is open to overseas (non-UK) students. The project is supported by a bursary and covers tuition fees at the overseas student rate, with flexible start dates available from March 2026 to October 2026.

The research addresses the critical challenge of understanding and predicting the failure of metal alloys exposed to extreme thermomechanical loads in advanced aerospace and nuclear technologies, such as hydrogen jet engines and nuclear fusion/fission reactors. Current failure assessment methods are limited by an incomplete understanding of microstructural deformation and damage mechanisms. The successful candidate will develop and implement advanced MATLAB code to simulate these processes in nickel alloys subjected to cyclic thermomechanical loading, using a Discrete Dislocation Plasticity (DDP) approach. This will involve modelling the interplay of misfit stresses from second-phase particles, dislocation-particle interactions, and external stresses typical of aerospace and nuclear environments.

The project also aims to overcome computational bottlenecks in DDP modelling by improving code efficiency, usability, and versatility, making these tools more accessible to the wider research community. The student will initially build a strong foundation in solid mechanics theory (elasticity/plasticity), metallurgy, and dislocation theory, and will develop advanced programming skills in MATLAB and C++ through collaboration with a Software Engineering team and a postdoctoral Research Associate. There may also be opportunities to contribute to related projects within the Mechanics of Materials division and to co-author scientific publications.

This research will have significant impact by helping material scientists, engineers, and manufacturers interpret experimental results, optimize alloy parameters for improved performance, and develop accurate finite element models for design and failure assessment. The project is ideal for enthusiastic and self-motivated candidates with a 1st class honours degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials, Physics, Mathematics, or Computing, and strong programming skills. For more information about research in this area at Imperial College London, visit the departmental research page.

To apply, interested candidates should send an up-to-date CV to Dr Christos Skamniotis ([email protected]). Suitable applicants will be invited to complete an electronic application form via the Imperial College London PhD application portal. Applications are accepted year-round until the position is filled.