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University of Southampton

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PhD in Physics-Based Prediction of Friction, Thermal Behaviour and Scuffing in High-Speed Electric Vehicle Gears University of Southampton in United Kingdom

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Mechanical Engineering

Funding

Competition funded PhD project for students worldwide. Funding opportunities include Horizon Europe fee waivers covering the difference between overseas and UK fees for qualifying students, Presidential Bursaries covering the difference between overseas and UK fees for top-ranked applicants, and school studentships that typically cover UK-level tuition fees plus a stipend for living costs for top-ranked applicants. Funding is awarded on a rolling basis.

Deadline

Dec 1, 2026

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Country

United Kingdom

University

University of Southampton

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Keywords

Mechanical Engineering
Materials Science
Mathematics
Tribology
Frictional Mechanics
Computational Modelling
Physics

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About this position

PhD opportunity at the University of Southampton in physics-based prediction of friction, thermal behaviour and scuffing in high-speed electric vehicle gears.

This project sits in the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences and focuses on tribology, mechanical engineering, materials science, and mathematical modelling. The research aims to build physics-based models linking lubricant films, surface roughness, frictional heating, and asperity contact to predict efficiency losses and scuffing risk in high-speed EV transmissions.

You will work on a deterministic thermal mixed-lubrication framework that couples elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL), measured surface topography, contact mechanics, and heat transfer. The project also includes controlled rolling-sliding experiments to measure lubricant friction and validate the model, with attention to temperature-dependent lubricant properties and predictive uncertainty.

Eligibility: applicants should have a UK 2:1 honours degree or equivalent in mechanical engineering, materials science, physics, chemistry, a relevant engineering discipline, or a related subject. Strong analytical ability and interest in experimental or computational methods are essential; teamwork, communication, and attention to detail are desirable.

Funding: competition-funded PhD project for students worldwide. Funding may include Horizon Europe fee waivers, Presidential Bursaries, or school studentships that typically cover UK tuition fees and a living-cost stipend for top-ranked applicants. Funding is awarded on a rolling basis, so early application is encouraged.

How to apply: submit an online application for Research entry in 2027/28, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, and search for PhD Engineering & the Environment (7175). Add the supervisor’s name in section 2 and include your CV, two academic references, transcripts/certificates, and English language evidence if needed.

Supervisor: Dr Ali Ghanbarzadeh, University of Southampton.

Funding details

Competition funded PhD project for students worldwide. Funding opportunities include Horizon Europe fee waivers covering the difference between overseas and UK fees for qualifying students, Presidential Bursaries covering the difference between overseas and UK fees for top-ranked applicants, and school studentships that typically cover UK-level tuition fees plus a stipend for living costs for top-ranked applicants. Funding is awarded on a rolling basis.

What's required

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent, in mechanical engineering, materials science, physics, chemistry, a relevant engineering discipline, or a related subject. Applicants should have interest in developing experimental or computational methods to understand friction, lubrication and surface damage, along with strong analytical skills, a rigorous approach to research, and initiative to work independently. Desirable qualities include attention to detail, clear communication, and the ability to collaborate effectively within a research team. English language qualification is required if applicable.

How to apply

Apply online for a Research programme for 2027/28 in the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences. Select full time or part time, search for PhD Engineering & the Environment (7175), and add the supervisor’s name in section 2. Include your CV, two academic references, transcripts and certificates, and an English language qualification if applicable.

More information can be found here

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