Chris Bennett

[Stipend up to £25,000 per annum for four years. EPSRC Industrial Doctoral Landscape Awards (IDLA) funding. Tuition likely covered for UK candidates.] This EPSRC and Rolls-Royce funded PhD position at the University of Nottingham offers an exciting opportunity to conduct experimental and numerical research into the wear of articulating spline couplings for aeroengine applications. Hosted by Nottingham’s UTC in Gas Turbine Transmissions Systems, the project builds on a long-standing collaboration with Rolls-Royce plc and focuses on advancing the fundamental understanding of wear behaviour in key power-transmission components. The research will involve both experimental work using a state-of-the-art rig facility and the development and validation of numerical modelling tools. The successful candidate will join a vibrant community of PhD students and benefit from the expertise and resources of the Transmissions UTC. The project aims to contribute to the development of more power-dense and efficient systems for high power electrical and mechanical applications in aeroengines, with a focus on reducing size and weight while increasing power extraction. This research is highly relevant to the ongoing evolution of aerospace propulsion technologies. The studentship provides a stipend of up to £25,000 per annum for four years, with funding from the EPSRC Industrial Doctoral Landscape Awards (IDLA). The position is open to UK candidates only, in line with funding restrictions. Applicants should hold a first-class or upper second-class honours degree in mechanical engineering or a closely related discipline. The start date is 1st October 2026, and applications will be accepted until the position is filled. For further information or to apply, candidates are encouraged to contact Prof. Chris Bennett at [email protected]. This is an excellent opportunity for motivated individuals interested in experimental mechanics, numerical modelling, and aerospace engineering to contribute to impactful research in collaboration with industry leaders.

[EPSRC Industrial Doctoral Landscape Awards (IDLA) studentship with stipend up to £25,000 per annum for four years.] This Rolls-Royce and EPSRC funded PhD position at the University of Nottingham offers an exciting opportunity to advance the fundamental understanding of wear in articulating spline couplings for aeroengine applications. Hosted within Nottingham’s UTC in Gas Turbine Transmissions Systems, the project builds on a long-standing research partnership with Rolls-Royce plc and leverages a recently commissioned rig facility for experimental validation of modelling tools. The research will focus on both experimental and numerical studies to investigate the wear behaviour of spline couplings, which are critical components for power transmission in aeroengines. The outcomes aim to enable the development of more power-dense systems, improving the efficiency and reducing the size and weight of aeroengine power offtakes. The project is designed to contribute to the ongoing innovation in high power electrical and conventional mechanical systems within the aerospace sector. The successful candidate will join a vibrant community of PhD students and benefit from the expertise and resources of the Transmissions UTC. The position is funded through the EPSRC Industrial Doctoral Landscape Awards (IDLA), offering a stipend of up to £25,000 per annum for four years. The project is available from 1st October 2026, with applications accepted until the post is filled. Eligibility is restricted to UK candidates due to funding constraints. Applicants should possess a first-class or upper second-class honours degree in mechanical engineering or a closely related discipline. Informal inquiries and applications can be directed to Prof. Chris Bennett at [email protected]. This opportunity is ideal for candidates interested in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, and advanced experimental and numerical research in power transmission systems.