Zahra Sharif Khodaei

[Full coverage of tuition fees and an annual tax-free stipend of £22,780 for Home, EU and International students.] This PhD studentship at Imperial College London focuses on developing a digital twin for composite pressure tanks used in hydrogen storage for aviation. Hydrogen fuel is a promising alternative to fossil fuels, but its adoption in aircraft is hindered by storage challenges, including the need for lightweight, robust composite tanks that can withstand high pressures, cyclic loading, and long-term degradation. The project aims to address these issues by advancing Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) and Digital Twinning (DT) technologies. SHM will provide real-time insights into tank condition, using methods such as acoustic emission to detect early signs of damage, leaks, or degradation. The digital twin will integrate physical models, sensor data, computational methods, and concepts from damage and fracture mechanics, enabling predictive maintenance and lifetime assessment. The research will leverage machine learning to enhance the accuracy and utility of the digital twin, ultimately improving safety, reliability, and design optimization for hydrogen-powered aviation. The successful candidate will gain expertise in computational mechanics, SHM, and machine learning, with a focus on fundamental research that can impact diverse fields. The studentship is fully funded for 3.5 years, covering tuition fees and providing a tax-free stipend of £22,780 per year for Home, EU, and International students. Applicants must hold or expect to hold a First class honours MEng/MSci or equivalent in Aeronautics or Mechanical Engineering, with strong skills in structural mechanics and computational methods. Familiarity with machine learning and SHM is desirable. The application process involves submitting a CV, transcripts, and a motivation statement, followed by supervisor review and further instructions for formal application. Imperial College London is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, supporting a welcoming environment for all students.

[Full coverage of tuition fees and an annual tax-free stipend of £22,780 for Home, EU and International students.] This PhD studentship at Imperial College London offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the future of hydrogen-powered aviation by developing a digital twin for composite pressure tanks. Hydrogen fuel is a promising clean energy source for aviation, but its adoption is limited by significant storage and safety challenges. The project addresses these challenges by focusing on the design and monitoring of lightweight, robust composite tanks capable of safely storing hydrogen under extreme conditions. The research will integrate advanced Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) and Digital Twinning (DT) technologies to provide real-time insights into the condition of hydrogen storage systems. Methodologies such as acoustic emission will be developed to detect early signs of damage, leaks, or material degradation, enhancing the safety and reliability of composite tanks. The project will also leverage machine learning, physical modeling, sensor data, and computational mechanics to create a virtual replica of the tank, enabling predictive maintenance and lifetime assessment. Supervised by Professor Zahra Sharif Khodaei and Professor M.H. Ferri Aliabadi, both experts in aerospace structures and health monitoring, the successful candidate will gain expertise in computational mechanics, structural health monitoring, and machine learning. The research is highly mathematical and fundamental, with potential impacts across diverse engineering fields. The studentship is fully funded for 3.5 years, covering tuition fees and providing an annual tax-free stipend of £22,780 for Home, EU, and International students. Applicants must hold or expect to hold a First class honours MEng/MSci or equivalent in Aeronautics or Mechanical Engineering, with strong skills in structural mechanics and computational methods. Familiarity with machine learning and SHM is desirable, and candidates should be motivated for fundamental research. Applications are open until 8 January 2026. The process involves submitting a CV, transcripts, and a motivation statement via the Supervisor Review Form. Long-listed candidates will be invited to formally apply. Imperial College London is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds.