PhD in Engineering Novel Through-Thickness Reinforced Composites for Net Zero

PGR-P-2302

Key facts

Type of research degree: PhD
Application deadline: Friday 14 November 2025
Project start date: Thursday 1 October 2026
Country eligibility: UK only
Funding: Competition funded
Source of funding: Doctoral training partnership
Supervisors: Dr Bing Zhang
Additional supervisors: Dr Hamed Yazdani Nezhad, Professor Robert Kay
Schools: School of Mechanical Engineering
Research groups/institutes: Institute of Design, Robotics and Optimisation

<h2 class="heading hide-accessible">Summary</h2>

This PhD research will develop the next generation of through-thickness reinforced composites with enhanced in-plane performance, potentially involving materials manufacturing, experimental characterisation and AI-assisted numerical modelling. There is an unprecedented need for composites with a good balance between in-plane and out-of-plane properties to meet Net Zero. The novel through-thickness reinforced composites to be developed in this project will have an enhance 3D balance and promote the wider adoption of composites across various industries. It allows the manufacturing of lighter and stronger structures, which supports the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals by improving energy efficiency, reducing material use, enabling sustainable infrastructure, and reducing carbon emissions. This PhD research will be supervised by a strong and complementary supervision team: Dr Bing Zhang specialising in through-thickness reinforced composites, Dr Hamed Yazdani Nezhad in nano composites, and Professor Robert Kay specialising in materials manufacturing. This PhD project will join a collaboration with the NCC, Rolls-Royce plc, Magma Global, and Bristol Composites Institute. The successful candidate will conduct this project at the Advanced Composites Manufacturing Group of iDRaM, with access to world-class composites manufacturing and characterisation facilities at the School of Mechanical Engineering and the Bragg Centre for Materials Research. An inclusive environment and supportive application process: 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. Interested? Discuss this PhD Opportunity with Dr. Bing Zhang by contacting: B.Zhang2@leeds.ac.uk

<h2 class="heading hide-accessible">Full description</h2>

Background: Light and strong fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) composites have been extensively used in various industry applications to achieve Net Zero, such as Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 aircraft wings and fuselages, GE’s GE9X and Rolls-Royce’s UltraFan blades, Siemens Gamesa and Vestas wind turbine blades, and Formula 1 car chassis. Inserting reinforcing materials through the thickness of composites via z-pinning, tufting or stitching is a very effective approach for addressing the relatively weak out-of-plane properties of composites. However, the in-plane property reduction due to the introduction of through-thickness reinforcement (TTR) has been a key and long-standing barrier against the further application of TTR. This PhD project will tackle this challenge as part of a collaboration with the NCC, Rolls-Royce plc, Magma Global, and the Bristol Composites Institute. The project is appealing for its blend of multidisciplinary skills, the critical problem it addresses for composites industry, and high publication and application potentials. Research objectives: An easily readable set of the PhD Aim and Research Objectives (see above example) In this PhD project, you will aim to develop the next-generation of through-thickness reinforced composites with enhanced in-plane performance. It can be a purely experimental project, a purely modelling project, or a combination of both. The following objectives are initially proposed, but the specific ones will be developed with the supervision team, depending on your skills and preferences. Objective 1: Conduct literature review to assess the current state of the art, i.e. the in-plane properties of through-thickness reinforced composites. Objective 2: Manufacture the through-thickness reinforced composites using a novel process recently developed by the supervision team; you are strongly encouraged to invent and use other novel processes. Objective 3: Experimentally characterise the in-plane performance of the novel composites, involving mechanical and/or electrical aspects. Objective 4: Conduct AI-assisted numerical modelling to understand and analyse the in-plane behaviours of the novel composites. Objective 5: Disseminate findings in composites-related journals and conferences, to industry beneficiaries via knowledge transfer activities, and to public via outreach events. What opportunities will be available to the PhD student in this project? Highlight any particular advantages to this PhD and the training it will provide. Training and Career Development You will receive all the training required for this project in advanced composites manufacturing (such as vacuum-assisted resin transfer moulding, bagging and specially through-thickness reinforcing), material testing and characterisation (such as compression, tension, bending and electrical conductivity measurement), 2D and 3D imaging and analysis, and AI-assisted numerical modelling in commercial software (such as Abaqus and Comsol). You will have good opportunities to visit industry partners through short-term visits and secondments to learn about industry practices in the manufacturing and testing of composite structures. You will be strongly supported by the supervision team to develop writing skills for technical or non-technical papers, and gain presentation skills in various events such as the School’s annual PGR conferences, regular project meetings, and composites-related conferences (such as ICCM 2027, ECCM 2028 and IoP workshop). You will also have opportunities to learn how to write a patent. Apart from various training opportunities provided by the School and the University, you will also be strongly supported for other career development opportunities, such as professional recognition as a Chartered Engineer and teaching experience through applying for a Teaching Assistant role. You will also learn practical aspects of project management, Health & Safety regulations and General Data Protection Regulation. Skills Required What skills and experience are required by the applicant? You don’t need to mention academic qualifications – but those aspects specific to your PhD research area. You will be enthusiastic and have a background in manufacturing, experimental mechanics and/or computational modelling of materials, desirably in composites, composites manufacturing, and testing or modelling. Our Commitment to an Inclusive, Equitable and Diverse Research Community: As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. 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. <div> <div id="_com_1" language="JavaScript"> We can help support your application! – Contact our <a href="https://contextualoutreach.leeds.ac.uk/pgr-diversity/access-to-research/">Access to Research Team</a> Research Environment The Institute of Design, Robotics and Manufacturing (iDRAM) at the University of Leeds is shaping the future of sustainable, digitally enabled engineering. Research here focuses on Industry 4.0 technologies, including smart manufacturing, robotics, and advanced design systems, to create cleaner, more efficient production processes. PhD students at iDRAM work on projects that integrate automation, AI, and data-driven optimisation to reduce waste, improve energy efficiency, and enable circular economy principles in manufacturing. The institute’s expertise spans digital twins, additive manufacturing, and intelligent robotics, all critical for achieving sustainable industrial transformation. With access to cutting-edge facilities such as the EPSRC National Facility for Innovative Robotics Systems and strong partnerships with global industry leaders, students gain hands-on experience in technologies driving the green industrial revolution. By joining iDRAM, PhD researchers become part of a multidisciplinary team committed to delivering sustainable solutions for sectors from aerospace to healthcare—developing the skills to lead in a world where digital innovation and environmental responsibility go hand in hand. Why Study for a PhD at the School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Leeds? The School of Mechanical Engineering at Leeds is a globally recognised centre of excellence, offering PhD students the opportunity to contribute to impactful research across diverse and cutting-edge fields. With 96% of research rated as “world-leading” or “internationally excellent” (REF 2021), the School is home to four specialist research institutes: <ul> <li>Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering – Pioneering innovations in joint replacement and regenerative medicine, with research that has influenced international clinical standards and improved outcomes for over a million patients </li> <li>Institute of Thermofluids – Tackling global challenges in energy, transport, and sustainability through advanced fluid dynamics and heat transfer research</li> <li>Institute of Functional Surfaces – Leading work in tribology, corrosion, and surface engineering, with applications in energy, carbon abatement, aerospace, automotive, and biomedical sectors</li> <li>Institute of Design, Robotics and Manufacturing (iDRaM) iDRaM brings together over 100 researchers and technical staff to tackle complex challenges in design, robotics, and advanced manufacturing. The institute is renowned for achieving real-world impact in applications spanning healthcare, aerospace, and industrial automation.</li> </ul> PhD students benefit from access to state-of-the-art facilities, including UK-leading labs and simulation platforms, and are supported by the Leeds Doctoral College, which provides tailored training, wellbeing services, and career development opportunities. The School maintains strong industry links with organisations such as GE Global Research, Johnson & Johnson, Honeywell, AECOM, Infineum and Total Energies, offering students opportunities to engage in collaborative projects, attend industry seminars, and build networks that support future careers in academia or industry Join a vibrant, international research community in a dynamic city, and be part of a university committed to solving real-world problems through engineering innovation. </div> </div>

<h2 class="heading">How to apply</h2>

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 EPSRC DTP Engineering & Physical Sciences and in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is PhD in Engineering Novel Through-Thickness Reinforced Composites for Net Zero as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/mechanical-engineering/staff/14360/dr-bing-zhang">Dr Bing Zhang</a> as your proposed supervisor. Please state in the Finance section that you are applying for the EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award 2026/27: Mechanical Engineering. If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below). Applications will be considered after the closing date. 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. Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of Friday 14 November 2025: <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date including grading scheme</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul> 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.

<h2 class="heading heading--sm">Entry requirements</h2>

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.

<h2 class="heading heading--sm">English language requirements</h2>

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.

<h2 class="heading">Funding on offer</h2>

A highly competitive EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award providing full academic fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant at the standard UKRI rate (£20,780 in academic session 2025/26) for 3.5 years. Training and support will also be provided. This opportunity is open to UK applicants only. All candidates will be placed into the EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award Competition and selection is based on academic merit. Please note that there is only 2 funded place(s) available and there are 17 projects in competition for this funding. If you are successful in securing an academic offer for PhD study, this does not mean that you have been successful in securing an offer of funding. Please refer to the <a href="https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ukcisa.org.uk%2F&data=05%7C02%7CJ.S.Hewer%40leeds.ac.uk%7C07632c93c06a442dca3d08ddfc172939%7Cbdeaeda8c81d45ce863e5232a535b7cb%7C0%7C0%7C638943898649349324%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=nylGSov8jOc7hr6X%2FmfnfQPecbVUnGqgoSqVgPGy5K0%3D&reserved=0">UKCISA</a> website for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals

<h2 class="heading">Contact details</h2>

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> For further information about your application, please contact PGR Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a>

<h3 class="heading heading--sm">Linked funding opportunities</h3>