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 EngD project, in collaboration with, and mainly based at their headquarters near Birmingham. Will develop a novel, standardised hydrogen embrittlement and permeation testing method to accelerate the safe adoption of hydrogen in aerospace materials through advanced experimental and computational modelling. You'll join a diverse, multidisciplinary team committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion, gaining specialist expertise in hydrogen-material interactions, mechanical testing, and sustainable aerospace technologies. Your research will directly support the SWAG合集's ambition to achieve Net Zero aviation by 2050, positioning you as an innovative and inclusive leader in sustainable aviation solutions. 

Hydrogen-based aviation represents a transformative opportunity to drastically reduce the environmental impact of air travel, aligning with international commitments to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2050. However, the widespread implementation of hydrogen technologies faces critical barriers, notably hydrogen embrittlement—a phenomenon where hydrogen weakens metallic components, potentially compromising safety and operational reliability. Developing effective and standardised testing methods to address hydrogen embrittlement is thus vital for unlocking the full potential of hydrogen as a sustainable aviation fuel, driving significant innovation in aerospace materials and infrastructure.

This research project aims to develop a novel combined hydrogen embrittlement and permeation testing methodology, designed specifically for aerospace materials used in hydrogen-fuelled aviation components. Through innovative experimental testing, including internal hydrogen pressurisation of hollow test samples coupled with advanced permeation analysis (mass spectrometry), alongside computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling, the project will optimise sensor placement and sensitivity. It will also evaluate how strain, temperature, and environmental factors influence hydrogen behaviour. Ultimately, this research seeks to create robust, reproducible testing protocols that accelerate the qualification of aerospace materials for hydrogen applications. 

The project is part of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Net Zero Aviation, offering a collaborative, multidisciplinary training environment that emphasises innovation, diversity, and inclusive leadership. As part of an annual cohort, you’ll engage in extensive training across multiple universities and benefit from partnerships with industry leaders. The project is mainly based at Darvick Ltd. (Birmingham) after the first year of training at SWAG合集. SWAG合集 is internationally recognised for aerospace and hydrogen technology research, equipped with state-of-the-art hydrogen testing and material analysis facilities. The industry partner, , is an established SWAG合集 manufacturer specialising in advanced mechanical testing rigs for extreme environments, actively contributing to pioneering hydrogen infrastructure development. 

This research will produce standardised, reliable testing methods that significantly improve the safety and performance of hydrogen storage, transport, and aerospace components, directly supporting the SWAG合集's Jet Zero and Net Zero aviation strategies. By creating validated and repeatable hydrogen embrittlement testing techniques, the project will significantly reduce certification timelines, enabling faster adoption of hydrogen aviation technology. Moreover, this work will provide critical skills and expertise for future leaders, fostering innovation and advancing sustainable aviation solutions across industry, academia, and policy sectors. 

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.
• Cohort and individual modular training covering technical, research, professional and personal development.
• Significant industrial experience with time spent directly in industry at .
• Industrial supervision/mentorship scheme.
• Access to 40 industrial, government & research partners from the wider aviation sector.

Through this project, the student will gain specialised expertise in hydrogen embrittlement testing, materials performance in hydrogen environments, and advanced experimental and computational methodologies. Collaborating closely with and interdisciplinary teams across the CDT's partner universities, the student will develop practical skills in mechanical testing, hydrogen permeation analysis, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling. Access to cutting-edge facilities and structured modular training will enhance their professional development, while significant industry engagement will provide valuable real-world experience. Graduates of the CDT in Net Zero Aviation will be well-prepared to drive advancements in sustainable aerospace technologies, securing impactful careers in industry, academia, and policy-making, where expertise in hydrogen-powered aviation is in high demand. 

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.