SWAG合集

Offering fully funded, multidisciplinary PhD research projects across areas such as:

• Zero Emission Technologies.
• Ultra Efficient Aircraft, Propulsion, Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems.
• Aerospace Materials, Manufacturing, and Life Cycle Analysis.
• Green Aviation Operations and Infrastructure.
• Aviation Environmental, Commercialisation & Socio-Economic Aspects.

The CDT in Net Zero Aviation is the world’s first Centre of Excellence for Net Zero Aviation Education, Training & Research, delivering impactful industrial and academic partnerships, future-proof skills, innovation, and leadership to achieve Net Zero Aviation by 2050.

This exciting project, in collaboration with Frazer-Nash Consultancy, will develop practical guidelines and methodologies to ensure the safe use of metals in hydrogen aviation infrastructure through advanced experimental testing and computational modelling. You'll become part of a diverse, multidisciplinary team that prioritises equity, diversity, and inclusion, gaining specialist expertise in hydrogen-material interactions, aerospace materials, and sustainable infrastructure design. Your research will directly support the SWAG合集's ambition to achieve Net Zero aviation by 2050, positioning you as a skilled innovator and inclusive leader in hydrogen-powered aviation technologies.

Hydrogen-based aviation offers a revolutionary opportunity to significantly reduce aviation’s carbon footprint, aligning with global commitments to reach Net Zero emissions by 2050. However, the widespread adoption of hydrogen technologies faces significant challenges due to hydrogen embrittlement, a phenomenon where hydrogen weakens essential metallic infrastructure components, causing potential reliability, safety, and longevity issues. Addressing this critical issue represents a vital area of research in aerospace materials science and hydrogen engineering, crucial for unlocking hydrogen’s full potential as a clean aviation fuel.

This research will bridge the gap between laboratory testing and practical industry applications by developing robust methodologies and design criteria to prevent hydrogen-induced failure in metallic aerospace materials. Through experimental testing of ferritic and austenitic steels under realistic service conditions, including cyclic loading, varied surface conditions, and exposure to gaseous impurities, and advanced numerical modelling (Finite Element Analysis), this project aims to significantly enhance our understanding of hydrogen embrittlement. The outcomes will inform safer, cost-effective, and more reliable hydrogen infrastructure, directly supporting aviation's transition towards zero-emission flight. 

The project forms part of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Net Zero Aviation, offering an integrated, multidisciplinary training programme focused on innovation, collaboration, and inclusive leadership. As part of an annual cohort, you’ll benefit from world-class training facilities across various universities and industrial settings, engaging with experts and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds. Based at SWAG合集, renowned internationally for aerospace and hydrogen research, the project will leverage state-of-the-art hydrogen testing facilities and extensive expertise in materials science. The industrial sponsor, Frazer-Nash Consultancy, is a leading engineering and technology company actively working towards Net Zero solutions, providing unique industrial insights and direct alignment with real-world hydrogen infrastructure challenges.

This research will deliver essential guidelines and design methodologies that significantly enhance the reliability and safety of hydrogen storage, transport, and refuelling infrastructure for aviation applications. It will directly contribute to the SWAG合集’s Jet Zero and Net Zero targets by reducing engineering conservatisms and enabling safer, more efficient use of hydrogen technologies. The knowledge gained will drive material innovation, facilitating faster adoption of hydrogen-powered aviation solutions. Additionally, the project will equip future industry leaders with critical technical and professional skills, preparing them to lead the aviation sector’s transition toward sustainable hydrogen-based operations. 

While working on this exciting research project, you will be provided with:

• A fully funded 4 year full-time PhD - £24,000 tax-free stipend per year.
• Attendance/presentations to international and national conferences with expenses fully covered.
• Membership of the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre at SWAG合集. Cohort and individual modular training covering technical, research, professional and personal development.
• Minimum of 3 months fully funded industrial placement with Rolls-Royce.
• Industrial supervision/mentorship scheme.
• Access to 40 industrial, government & research partners from the wider aviation sector

 Through this project, the student will develop highly valuable expertise in hydrogen-material interactions, aerospace infrastructure design, and advanced experimental and computational techniques, critical skills required for the growing hydrogen-powered aviation industry. Collaborating closely with Frazer-Nash Consultancy and interdisciplinary teams across the CDT's partner universities, the student will benefit from structured modular training, significant industry engagement, and access to world-class experimental facilities. The student will gain hands-on experience in materials characterisation, fatigue testing, hydrogen permeation analysis, and numerical modelling, equipping them to become an effective and innovative leader in sustainable aviation. Graduates of the CDT in Net Zero Aviation emerge with a unique interdisciplinary skillset, deep industry insights, and a commitment to sustainability, fully prepared to drive the decarbonisation of aviation in diverse careers spanning industry, academia, government, and policymaking. 

Graduates of the CDT in Net Zero Aviation will be equipped with a unique interdisciplinary combination of technical and professional skills, gained through extensive cohort-based training and cross-university collaborations. By engaging with diverse academic and industry partners across Cranfield, Strathclyde, and Cardiff Universities, and the National Centre for Atmospheric Science, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of the wider aviation ecosystem. This holistic experience ensures graduates are prepared to lead and accelerate aviation decarbonisation efforts from various roles in industry, academia, government, and policy. 

The interview process is composed of two interviews. Following a first introductory interview (20min), a second online (or face to face if preferred) interview will be offered. In this second interview, candidates will be asked to give a 15-minute presentation on why they would like to become members of the CDT in Net Zero Aviation and how their skills and experience align to the research and training programme, followed by questions from the interview panel.