Digital Twinning of Fibre Reinforced Composites

This PhD project aims to develop an advanced digital twin for predicting the strength and fatigue life of fibre-reinforced composites. Fibre-reinforced composites are increasingly used in various industry sectors, such as aerospace, automotive, medical devices, and energy. This PhD project will be conducted within an active composites group affiliated with the world-class Institute of Design, Robotics and Manufacturing (iDRaM) at the School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Leeds.<br /> <br /> The project presents a distinctive opportunity for the successful candidate to specialise in composites and digital modelling. In addition to collaborating with researchers within the Institute, School, and University, the PhD student will have ample opportunities to interact with our industry partners, enhancing the real-world applicability of their research findings. The student is expected to publish high-quality papers in high-profile international peer-reviewed journals and disseminate research outcomes at national and international conferences, workshops, and seminars.

<p style="margin-bottom:11px">Fiber-reinforced composites are increasingly used across various engineering sectors as they are strong and lightweight, e.g. aerospace, automotive, renewable energy and sport. Numerous modern engineering products prominently feature composites, including A350 and Boeing 787 aircrafts, the new generation of Rolls-Royce and General Electric aero engine fan blades, and long-span wind turbine blades manufactured by Siemens and Vestas. Additionally, composites are increasingly utilised in electric vehicles to increase power density.</p> <p>Traditionally, design of a composite structure heavily replies on experiments conducted from small-scale coupon level to full-scale structure level following a pyramid structure. It is an expensive process in terms of both cost and time, particularly for large-dimension structures. Creating a digital representation of composite structures can significantly accelerate the design process while saving cost. Therefore, this PhD project aims to creating an accurate and efficient digital tool that can be used for predicting the strength and fatigue life of composite structures. This digital tool can be used for the design and optimisation of a composite structure and can also be embedded into a health monitoring framework for predicting the remaining life of a composite structure.   </p> <p><strong>References</strong></p> <p>B. Zhang, G. Allegri, S.R. Hallett, Embedding artificial neural networks into twin cohesive zone models for composites fatigue delamination prediction under various stress ratios and mode mixities, Int. J. Solids Struct. 236–237 (2022) 111311. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijsolstr.2021.111311">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijsolstr.2021.111311</a>.</p> <p>B. Zhang, L.F. Kawashita, M.I. Jones, J.K. Lander, S.R. Hallett, An experimental and numerical investigation into damage mechanisms in tapered laminates under tensile loading, Compos. Part A Appl. Sci. Manuf. 133 (2020) 105862. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesa.2020.105862">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesa.2020.105862</a>.</p> <p>B. Zhang, L.F. Kawashita, S.R. Hallett, Composites fatigue delamination prediction using double load envelopes and twin cohesive models, Compos. Part A Appl. Sci. Manuf. 129 (2020) 105711. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesa.2019.105711">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesa.2019.105711</a>.</p> <p>B. Zhang, X.C. Sun, M.J. Eaton, R. Marks, A. Clarke, C.A. Featherston, L.F. Kawashita, S.R. Hallett, An integrated numerical model for investigating guided waves in impact–damaged composite laminates, Compos. Struct. 176 (2017) 945–960. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compstruct.2017.06.034">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compstruct.2017.06.034</a>.</p>

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University's website</a>. Please state clearly in the Planned Course of Study section that you are applying for <em><strong>PHD Mechanical Engineering FT</strong></em> and in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <em><strong>Digital Twinning of Fibre Reinforced Composites</strong></em> as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/mechanical-engineering/staff/14360/dr-bing-zhang">Dr Bing Zhang</a> and <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/mechanical-engineering/staff/40/professor-david-barton">Professor David Barton</a> as your proposed supervisors and <em><strong>in the finance section, please state clearly the funding that you are applying for, if you are self-funding or externally sponsored.</strong></em></p> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing">Applications will be considered on an ongoing basis.  Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application.  We also advise that you apply at the earliest opportunity as the application and selection process may close early, should we receive a sufficient number of applications or that a suitable candidate is appointed.</p> <p style="margin-bottom:11px"><strong>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of Monday 6 January 2025 if applying for the China Scholarship Council-University of Leeds Scholarship, Monday 3 February 2025 if applying for Leeds Doctoral Scholarship or Tuesday 1 April 2025 for Leeds Opportunity Research Scholarship.</strong></p> <p>If you are applying with external sponsorship or you are funding your own study, please ensure you provide your supporting documents at the point you submit your application:</p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<p style="margin-bottom:12px"><strong>Self-Funded or externally sponsored students are welcome to apply.</strong></p> <p><strong>UK</strong> – The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/138-leeds-doctoral-scholarship-2025-faculty-of-engineering-and-physical-sciences#:~:text=Key%20facts&text=One%20Leeds%20Doctoral%20Scholarship%20is,rata%20for%20part%2Dtime%20study.">Leeds Doctoral Scholarship</a> <strong>(closing date: Monday 3 February 2025) </strong>and <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/234-leeds-opportunity-research-scholarship-2022">Leeds Opportunity Research Scholarship</a> <strong>(closing date: Tuesday 1 April 2025)</strong> are available to UK applicants. <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/60-alumni-bursary">Alumni Bursary</a> is available to graduates of the University of Leeds.</p> <p><strong>Non-UK</strong> – The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/48-china-scholarship-council-university-of-leeds-scholarships-2021">China Scholarship Council - University of Leeds Scholarship</a> is available to nationals of China (<strong>closing date: Monday 6 January 2025).</strong> The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/73-leeds-marshall-scholarship">Leeds Marshall Scholarship</a> is available to support US citizens. <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/60-alumni-bursary">Alumni Bursary</a> is available to graduates of the University of Leeds.</p> <p><strong>Important:</strong> Please note that that the award does <em><strong>not</strong></em> cover the costs associated with moving to the UK.  All such costs (<a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/international-visas-immigration/doc/applying-student-visa">visa, Immigration Health Surcharge</a>, flights etc) would have to be met by yourself, or you will need to find an alternative funding source. </p> <p>Please refer to the <a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a> website for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.</p>

<p>For further information about this project, please contact Dr Bing Zhang by email to <a href="mailto:B.Zhang2@leeds.ac.uk">B.Zhang2@leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p>For further information about you application, please contact PGR Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a></p>