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Imperial College London: PhD Studentship: Thermal Fatigue Simulations, Aerospace/Nuclear

Posted 2 Nov 2026

This is a fully funded PhD studentship in computational mechanics of materials in Imperial's Department of Mechanical Engineering. It is supervised by Dr Christos Skamniotis. The work is to simulate how the microstructure of nickel alloys deforms and is damaged under cyclic thermomechanical loads in aerospace and nuclear settings. It suits a student with strong programming skills and a mechanical, materials, physics, maths or computing background.

  • Typical window: open until the post is filled

What you'll do

  • Write a MATLAB code that simulates microstructural deformation and damage in nickel alloys under cyclic thermomechanical loading
  • Implement a discrete dislocation plasticity approach that captures misfit stresses from second-phase particles, dislocation-particle interactions and applied thermal and mechanical loads
  • Remove computational bottlenecks in discrete dislocation plasticity modelling by improving the code's efficiency, usability and versatility
  • Learn solid mechanics (elasticity and plasticity), metallurgy and dislocation theory at the start of the project
  • Build programming skills in MATLAB and C++ by working with an Imperial software engineering team and a postdoctoral research associate on the same subject
  • Contribute to related discrete dislocation plasticity projects in the department and co-author publications

Who can apply

  • You need a first-class honours degree in mechanical engineering, materials, physics, mathematics or computing
  • You must meet Imperial College London's academic requirements for enrolment for the PhD degree
  • Strong programming skills are especially encouraged
  • The post is funded at the Home student rate, so Home-fee eligibility appears to be needed. The page does not state this limit explicitly for this post
  • You should be enthusiastic and self-motivated

How to apply

Send a up-to-date CV to Dr Christos Skamniotis (christos.skamniotis@imperial.ac.uk). Suitable candidates are then asked to complete an electronic application form at Imperial so the College Registry can assess their qualifications. The closing date is 'until post filled'.

Official page: imperial.ac.uk/mechanical-engineering/study/phd/how-to-apply/

LocationLondon, UK
SalaryBursary and fees at the Home student rate, as the page writes it. No amount is given.
TypeFull-time
Applyhttp://www.imperial.ac.uk/mechanical-engineering/study/phd/how-to-apply/
ResearchPhD