Imperial College London
London, United Kingdom

This fully funded PhD studentship at Imperial College London’s Department of Aeronautics offers an exceptional opportunity to engage in advanced research on the design of hypersonic vehicles operating under extreme thermo‑mechanical conditions. Hypersonic flight presents significant engineering challenges, including intense thermal loads, material nonlinearities, and coupled structural-thermal interactions. The project focuses on developing robust thermo‑structural design methodologies that account for material nonlinearities at high temperatures, aiming to improve vehicle performance, safety, and reliability. The research will combine computational modelling, advanced simulation techniques, and design optimisation, offering the candidate experience in cutting‑edge aerospace engineering and preparing them for careers in both research and industry. Students will work within a highly collaborative environment, benefiting from Imperial College London’s expertise in hypersonic aerodynamics, materials science, and structural engineering, as well as exposure to industrial stakeholders and potential experimental validation.

Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should hold, or be expected to achieve, a first‑class honours degree or 2:1 in Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a closely related discipline. Academic excellence and strong motivation for research in high‑temperature aerospace structures will be key selection criteria.

Required Expertise, Skills
Successful candidates will benefit from knowledge or experience in computational mechanics, finite element analysis, structural modelling, heat transfer, and materials behaviour at elevated temperatures. Strong programming skills (e.g., MATLAB, Python, or C++) and an analytical mindset are advantageous. The role requires creativity, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work independently within an interdisciplinary research team.

Salary Details
The studentship includes full tuition fee coverage and an annual tax‑free stipend at the UKRI standard rate, supporting the candidate throughout the four-year PhD programme.

Application Deadline
Applications close on 26 March 2026 for projects commencing in October 2026.

Application Link

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