Temperature integrated design for composite manufacturing (TIDE)

This studentship is based in the College of Arts, Technology and Environment.

This PhD will develop advanced simulation‑driven and adaptive manufacturing methods to enable high‑quality, right‑first‑time production of thick, complex carbon‑fibre composite structures for next‑generation aerospace applications. As aviation moves towards Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and hydrogen propulsion, new wing and structural designs require materials with different processing characteristics, yet current resin‑infusion techniques struggle with temperature overshoot, exothermic behaviour, and geometric complexity.

The research addresses three linked challenges: understanding cure behaviour and performance thresholds in thick composites through experimental characterisation and 3D Finite Element Modelling; designing an automated closed‑tool infusion process incorporating active sensing, temperature control, resin injection and vacuum/pressure management; and developing a just‑in‑time process simulation that supports adaptive, closed‑loop manufacturing and digital‑engineering approaches.

The methodology integrates experimental studies, simulation, process design, optimisation and data analysis, structured through iterative Plan‑Do‑Check‑Act cycles. Expected outputs include validated material‑property datasets, FE modelling frameworks, novel infusion tooling, adaptive control strategies, and manufacturability guidelines for thick composite cure. The project aims to deliver scalable demonstrators, support industrial adoption, and strengthen aerospace composite manufacturing capability through low‑cost, flexible, high‑performance processing strategies.

For more information about this studentship please contact Dr Carwyn Ward at Carwyn.Ward@uwe.ac.uk.

The studentship is available from 1 October 2026 for a period of three years, subject to satisfactory progress and includes a tax-exempt stipend, which is currently £20,780 (2025/26) per annum.

In addition, full-time tuition fees will be covered for up to three years (Home).

Please submit your application online. When prompted use the reference number 2627-OCT-CATE08. 

Application deadline

The closing date for applications is 22 May 2026.

Apply now

Supporting documentation

You will need to upload your research proposal, all your degree certificates and transcripts and a recognised English language qualification is required.

You will need to provide details of two referees as part of your application.

Interview dates

It is expected that interviews will take place on weeks commencing June. If you have not heard from us by July, we thank you for your application but on this occasion you have not been successful.