Temperature integrated design for composite manufacturing (TIDE)

This is one of several fully-funded PhD studentships available within the College of Arts, Technology and Environment (CATE) at UWE Bristol.

Although many doctoral projects are being advertised across the College, CATE will only fund up to eight studentships in total. Projects selected for funding will be determined based on applicant merit through the selection process outlined below.

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.

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

Application deadline

The closing date for applications is 12 June 2026.

Apply now

Applicants shortlisted for this project will be invited to interview with a panel comprising members of the supervisory team and the School’s Postgraduate Research (PGR) Lead and/or a senior researcher from the School or College. Successful candidates will be offered a studentship following interview.

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 in early 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.

Candidates who meet the entry requirements for doctoral study at UWE Bristol but are not awarded one of the funded studentships may be offered the opportunity to take-up a self funded PhD place.