Mechanical Engineering: Fully Funded MSc Studentship in New finite element workflows for innovative pipe connector design (RS807)

Funding provider:  Freudenberg Flow Technologies 

Subject area:  Finite Element Modelling of Structures 

Project start date: 1 July 2025 (Enrolment open from mid-June)

Supervisors:  Prof Wulf G. Dettmer (Swansea University), Prof Djordje Peric (Swansea University) and Dr David Winfield (Freudenberg) 

Aligned programme of study: MSc by Research in Mechanical Engineering 

Mode of study: Full-time 

Project description: 

Effective and economical pipe connection systems are fundamental for industrial flow technologies. Applications range from renewable energy and chemical processing to hydraulic systems and oil and gas technologies. They are indispensable for many technologies needed to address today’s environmental and economic challenges. Pipe connectors must remain functional and prevent leakage under various static and dynamic mechanical loads and environmental conditions. 

In order to facilitate the innovation of design and material selection for the pipe connectors required in new applications, the computer simulation of the pipe connectors under various boundary conditions is fundamental. New designs have to pass a series of different tests, many of which are defined by industrial standards. 

The objective of this project is the development of new software based automated workflows which will be centred around finite element simulation and allow for accelerated technical innovation. Scenarios to be investigated include exposure to fire and critical static and dynamic loads. The methodology will be based on finite element and scripting software such as ABAQUS and Python. The project will be supervised jointly by Professor Wulf G. Dettmer (Swansea University) and Dr David Winfield (Freudenberg Flow Technologies).  

Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree at 2:1 level (or Non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University) in Engineering or similar relevant discipline.

English Language
IELTS 6.5 Overall (5.5+ each comp.) or Swansea University recognised equivalent. Full details of our English Language policy, including certificate time validity, can be found here.

This scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees and an annual stipend at UKRI rate (currently £19,237 for 2024/25).

Additional research expenses of up to £500 per year will also be available.

To apply, please complete your application online here with the following information

1. Course choice– please select: Mechanical Engineering / MSc by Research / Full-time / 1 Year / July
2. Start year– please select 2025
3. Funding (page 8 on the application process)

In the event you have already applied for the above programme previously, the application system may issue a warning notice and prevent application, in this event, please email pgrscholarships@swansea.ac.uk where staff will be happy to assist you in submitting your application.

• ‘Are you funding your studies yourself?’ – please select No
• ‘Name of Individual or organisation providing funds for study’ – please enter ‘RS807 – MSc Mech Eng'

*It is the responsibility of the applicant to list the above information accurately when applying, please note that applications received without the above information listed will not be considered for the scholarship award.

One application is required per individual Swansea University led research scholarship award; applications cannot be considered listing multiple Swansea University led research scholarship awards.

NOTE: Applicants for PhD/EngD/ProfD/EdD - to support our commitment to providing an environment free of discrimination and celebrating diversity at Swansea University you are required to complete an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Monitoring Form in addition to your programme application form.  

Please note that completion of the EDI Monitoring Form is mandatory; your application may not progress if this information is not submitted.

As part of your online application, you MUST upload the following documents (please do not send these via email):

• CV
• Degree certificates and transcripts (if you are currently studying for a degree, screenshots of your grades to date are sufficient)
• A cover letter including a ‘Supplementary Personal Statement’ to explain why the position particularly matches your skills and experience and how you choose to develop the project.
• One reference (academic or previous employer) on headed paper or using the Swansea University reference form. Please note that we are not able to accept references received citing private email accounts, e.g. Hotmail. Referees should cite their employment email address for verification of reference.
• Evidence of meeting English Language requirement (if applicable).
• Copy of UK resident visa (if applicable)
• Confirmation of EDI form submission

Informal enquiries are welcome; please contact Professor Wulf G. Dettmer via w.g.dettmer@swansea.ac.uk 

*External Partner Application Data Sharing – Please note that as part of the scholarship application selection process, application data sharing may occur with external partners outside of the University, when joint/co-funding of a scholarship project is applicable.