PhD Studentship in Aeronautics: Structure-photodegradation-performance relationship in carbon fibre-reinforced thermosets (AE0089)

Start Date:

As soon as possible

Application Deadline:

23.59 on 4 January 2027 (UK time)

Introduction: 

The move towards more-sustainable transport requires lighter vehicle structures, so the high strength-to-weight and stiffness-to-weight ratios of fibre composite materials make them attractive in new applications in addition to their traditional use in aerospace. However, these composite structures are exposed to UV light, especially when used in aircraft and space applications. UV-induced photodegradation is known to damage the surface of composites through erosion and the formation of microcracks in the matrix, which can grow due to stresses on the structure. Thus, it is critical to use polymers that are highly UV-resistant for these applications, but which also possess the required mechanical and functional properties.

The objective of this project is to understand the UV degradation mechanisms of thermosetting epoxy polymers and how the structure / composition of the polymers affects their UV resistance in order to maximise their longevity and long-term performance. It is anticipated that the results arising from this PhD studentship will combine UV resistance data, and visual and chemical analysis with mechanical and fracture properties to build a map of the structure–property relationships for a given composite system. The identification of these structure–property relationships will enable the development of novel and more UV-durable formulations.

You will join the Department of Aeronautics at Imperial College London, benefiting from joint supervision by Professor Koon-Yang Lee (Aeronautics) and Professor Ambrose Taylor (Mechanical Engineering), alongside an industry research scientist from Syensqo.

You will develop specialist expertise in the analytical characterisation of composite materials, gaining hands-on experience in advanced composite manufacturing and analytical techniques in composite science and technology. Throughout your PhD, you will have access to state-of-the-art facilities at Imperial College London, including high-resolution microscopy, thermal analysis systems, UV/vis spectroscopy, FTIR, AFM, a Q-SUN test chamber and comprehensive mechanical testing facilities.

You will also have opportunities to present your research at national and international conferences, publish your findings in peer-reviewed journals and build professional networks with leading researchers and industry partners.

Supervisors: 

Professor Koon-Yang Lee, Professor Ambrose Taylor

Duration:

3.5 years

Funding:

Full coverage of tuition fees and an annual tax-free stipend of £23,805 for Home, EU and International students. Find out more about fee status on our Fees and Funding webpages.

Eligibility: 

Due to the competitive nature of our studentships, candidates will be expected to achieve/have achieved a First class honours MEng/MSci or higher degree (or international equivalent) in: Aeronautics, Mechanical Engineering or Materials

We are looking for a motivated and curious candidate with strong analytical, problem-solving, communication and organisational skills, who can work both independently and collaboratively and is enthusiastic about developing new research skills.

How to apply

Submit your application via our Apply webpages - you will need to upload the following:

• CV
• personal statement
• transcripts
• contact details for two references

When applying, you will need to complete the following fields:

• Search course/Programme: Aeronautics Research (PhD)
• Research Group: Aero
• Research Topic: Please use reference number AE0089
• Research Supervisor: Professor Koon-Yang Lee, Professor Ambrose Taylor
• Entry term: Autumn 2027/8 or Spring 2027/8 

You can find out more general guidance on how to apply on our Admissions webpages.

Applying to two projects

You can apply for a maximum of two PhD projects in any academic year – this includes PhD projects in other departments at Imperial and the Doctoral Programme in Sustainable Aviation (DPSA) within our Brahmal Vasudevan Institute for Sustainable Aviation.

If you are submitting two applications for different PhD Studentships in the same academic year, you will need to select different entry terms – one application must be for the entry term Autumn 2027/8 and one application must be for the entry term Spring 2027/8. If you are successful in receiving an offer, we can amend the entry term of the relevant PhD Studentship.

References

You will need to provide the contact details of two referees – we will then contact them directly to request the references after you have submitted your application. Find out more about the importance of references and how to check the status of your references on our application references webpage.

It is your responsibility to ensure that your referees respond to any reference requests. To ensure we do not delay the admissions process for our applicants, any incomplete applications without references by 23.59 on 5 February 2027 (UK time) will be rejected. 

Contact

For more information about this specific PhD project, please contact: Professor Koon-Yang Lee

For questions about the application process, please first read our Frequently Asked Questions. If your question has not been answered, please email the PhD Administrator (Admissions)

Frequently Asked Questions

 You can find answers to common application questions on our Frequently Asked Questions webpage.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:

Imperial is committed to equality and valuing diversity. We are an Athena SWAN Silver Award winner, a Stonewall Diversity Champion, a Disability Confident Employer and are working in partnership with GIRES to promote respect for trans people.