Deakin-Coventry Cotutelle - Smart Composite Materials for Aircraft

This is a doctoral cotutelle project between Deakin University (Australia) and Coventry University (United Kingdom). The successful PhD Student will be awarded a scholarship from Deakin University with the supervision team being drawn from Deakin University and Coventry University. The PhD Student will graduate with two testamurs, one from Deakin University and one from Coventry University, each of which recognises that the program was carried out as part of a jointly supervised doctoral program. The program is for a duration of 4 years and scheduled to commence in January 2023. The PhD Student is anticipated to spend up to 12 months of the total period of the program at Deakin University, with the remainder of the program based at Coventry University.

Within the aviation industry, the increase in polymer composite structures has increased to over 50% of the full airframe during the last two decades, primarily due to the use of composites in the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787. This increase has been driven by the necessity to have lighter structures, whilst maintaining the same mechanical properties as their metal counterparts. Over the designated 20,000 hours or 20 years of planned service, there is however, the inevitable growth in different forms of damage due to fatigue and exposure to harsh environments. Furthermore, with the growing emphasis on improving resource efficiencies, there is a need to establish new approaches to the re-manufacture of existing components and composite recycling. Equally important to the development of new recycling methods is the ability to develop sensors and monitoring methods which ensure that the 2nd life composites are able to maintain properties the same or similar to a virgin composite, over its service life. This collaborative arrangement offers a unique research strength that from smart materials development and advanced characterisation facilities will be accessed in this PhD research project.

Applications close 5pm, Saturday 27 May 2023

Please be aware that screening for this advert will commence immediately and the scholarship may be awarded prior to the closing date.

This scholarship is supported by Coventry University and is available over 3.5 years and includes:

• Stipend of £15,000 per annum
• Tuition Fee Waiver
• Travel Support Package including one return economy airfare to Deakin University to support residency period in Australia
• Student visa and health insurance costs for period of residency at Deakin University in Australia

Deakin University will also provide a full tuition fee waiver for a duration of up to 4 years.

To be eligible you must:

• be either a domestic or international candidate. Domestic includes candidates with Australian Citizenship, Australian Permanent Residency or New Zealand Citizenship.
• meet the PhD entry requirements of both Deakin University and Coventry university, including English language proficiency requirements
• be enrolling full-time
• be able to physically locate to both Coventry University (UK) and Deakin University (Australia)

Please refer to the research degree entry pathways page and Coventry’s research entry criteria page for further information.