Computational Mechanics: Fully Funded PhD Studentship on the computational framework for high-speed multi-material impact (RS803)

Funding providers: UK Atomic Weapons Establishment (UKAWE) and Faculty of Science and Engineering at Swansea University 

Subject areas: Computatinal mechanics, Engineering simulation 

Project start dates: 

• 1 July 2025 (Enrolment open from mid-June)
• 1 October 2025 (Enrolment open from mid-September)

Supervisors: Prof. Antonio J. Gil, Dr Chun Hean Lee and Dr Clare Wood 

Aligned programme of study: PhD in Civil Engineering 

Mode of study: Full-time  

Project description:  

Computational verification of high-speed multi-material flows, where physical experimentation is highly limited, is seen as critical by the Defence Sector (source: the UK Atomic Weapons Establishment). Recent work by the group (leading to REF 4* rated outputs and several Keynotes) has contributed to bridging the gap between Computational Solid and Fluid Dynamics, with a unified computational framework exploiting the use of physical and geometrical conservation laws in a variety of spatial discretisation schemes (i.e. Finite Element, Finite Volume, Meshless). The resulting conservation-type formulation, which displays striking similarities to that used by the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) community, has inspired the investigators to adopt conventional CFD algorithms in the novel context of Computational Solid Dynamics. 

Building upon very recent work made by the supervisory team, this FULLY FUNDED 4-year PhD project will investigate challenging aspects such as: (1) exploration of a truly “n” multi-material capability with a suitable closure model; (2) improved strategy for interface tracking/capturing; (3) very high-speed scenarios with use of nonlinear Riemann-solvers. If time allows exploratory 3D development could be foreseen in Year 4. 

The recruited PhD candidate will become a member of an active research group working on the development and application of cutting edge computational techniques for large strain solid dynamics, dynamic fracture/contact  and computational multi-physics. 

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 (£19,237 for 2024/25, £20,780 for 2025/26).

Additional research expenses will also be available.

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

1. Course choice– please select as per preferred mode of study, either:

   (Full Time) Civil Engineering / PhD / Full-time / 3 Years / July

   or

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

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 case, 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 ‘RS803 – UKAWE'

*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 Prof. Antonio J. Gil via a.j.gil@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.