Mechanics / Structural Vibration : Fully Funded PhD Studentship in A Framework for Reduced Order Modelling in Structural Dynamics (RS802)

Funding providers: EPSRC IDLA and The Dyson Institute 

Subject areas: Mechanics / Structural Vibration  

Project start date: 1 October 2025  

Supervisors: Dr Alexander Shaw and Dr Hadi Madinei from Swansea, with Dr Javad Taghipour at The Dyson Institute  

Aligned programme of study: PhD in Mechanical Engineering  

Mode of study: Full-time (There will be a placement at the Dyson Institute for a minimum of 3 months)

Project description: 
Identifying and validating models for complex structures featuring nonlinearity remains a problem at the cutting edge of structural dynamics, with applications ranging from civil structures to microelectronics and space hardware. The aim is a machine learning approach that can build a model from experimental and operational data, but with sufficient physical insight to ensure that the model is robust and interpretable. The proposed PhD research aims to develop a comprehensive Mode Selection Framework for Reduced Order Modelling (ROM) in Structural Dynamics, addressing the critical challenge of balancing model accuracy with computational efficiency, and the requirements of experimental validation. The aim is to identify the most significant modes that capture the essential dynamic behaviour of complex structures while discarding those that contribute minimally, thus reducing the model's order without compromising accuracy. The framework will employ advanced techniques such as machine learning, optimization algorithms, and sensitivity analysis to automate and optimize the mode selection process. The outcome will be a robust, scalable methodology that enhances the performance of ROMs, making them more applicable to a wide range of engineering problems, including real-time structural health monitoring, vibration analysis, and control design.  

The ideal candidate will have an outstanding engineering or related background, preferably with some experimental or practical experience. It comes with a generous stipend and funds for other research and training costs. The position is funded by an EPSRC IDLA award, in partnership with The Dyson Institute. There is a placement at the Dyson Institute for at least 3 months. 

UK fee-eligible students only

Applicants for PhD must hold an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level (or Non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University) in Engineering or similar relevant science discipline. See - Country-specific Information for European Applicants 2019 and Country-specific Information for International Applicants 2019.

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 £20,780 for 2024/25).

Additional research expenses of up to £2,000 per year will also be available.

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

1. Course choice:

(Full Time) Mechanical Engineering / PhD / Full-time / 3 Years / October

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 case, please email pgrscholarships@swansea.ac.uk where staff will be happy to assist you in submitting your application.

     2. Start year – please select 2025

     3. Funding (page 8 on the application process) –

• ‘Are you funding your studies yourself?’ – please select No
• ‘Name of Individual or organisation providing funds for study’ – please enter ‘RS802 - Structural Dynamics'

*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 Dr Alexander Shaw a.d.shaw@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.