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PhD Studetnship: Failure Analysis of Composite Sleeves for Surface Permanent Magnet Electrical [...]


Company : University of Nottingham


Location : Nottingham, England


Created : 2025-08-07


Job Type : Full Time


Job Description

PhD Studetnship: Failure Analysis of Composite Sleeves for Surface Permanent Magnet Electrical MachinesJoin to apply for thePhD Studetnship: Failure Analysis of Composite Sleeves for Surface Permanent Magnet Electrical Machinesrole atUniversity of Nottingham PhD Studetnship: Failure Analysis of Composite Sleeves for Surface Permanent Magnet Electrical MachinesJoin to apply for thePhD Studetnship: Failure Analysis of Composite Sleeves for Surface Permanent Magnet Electrical Machinesrole atUniversity of Nottingham AreaEngineeringLocationUK OtherClosing DateMonday 06 October 2025ReferenceENG272Failure Analysis of Composite Sleeves for Surface Permanent Magnet Electrical MachinesThis exciting opportunity is based within thePower Electronics, Machines and Control (PEMC) and Composites Research Groupsat the Faculty of Engineering, which conduct cutting-edge research into electric propulsion systems, composite materials, and advanced simulation technologies.VisionWe are seeking a highly motivated PhD student to join our interdisciplinary team to help address critical challenges in high-speed electrical machine design for electrified transportation and power generation. Together, we will make technological advances that support the global transition towardnet-zero emissionsand sustainable aerospace engineering.MotivationThe reliability of electric propulsion systems is pivotal for next-generation energy and aerospace solutions. In particular,surface-mounted permanent magnet electrical machinesare pushing performance boundaries. A major challenge is the structural integrity of thecarbon-fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) sleevesused to contain the rotor’s magnets, which are prone to failure under extreme rotational stresses.This project responds to industrial demand—highlighted by Aerospace and power generation companies—to develop robust methodologies for investigatingfailure mechanisms in CFRP sleeves . Your contribution will help prevent catastrophic magnet detachment and significantly enhance system reliability and safety, aligning with the UK’s NetZero targets.AimYou will have the opportunity to build ahigh-fidelity process simulationand performexperimental validationto assess the structural performance of composite sleeves under operational conditions, such as centrifugal forces, bending, and thermal stress.You will work closely with the PEMC and Composites Research Groups, industrial partners and test centres. Physical testing, such ascontrolled spin-burst experiments , will complement advancedfinite element analysis (FEA)in evaluating failure behaviour.Who We Are Looking ForAn enthusiastic, self-motivated, and resourceful candidate with a1st or upper 2:1 degreein mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, materials science, electrical engineering, or a related field.Desirable skills include:Interest or background in composite materials, particularly in modelling and/or testing Basic understanding of finite element methods (FEM); any exposure to impact or burst mechanics is a plus Familiarity with FE simulation tools such as ANSYS or Abaqus (or willingness to learn) General knowledge of structural analysis and material behaviour, especially failure mechanisms Some experience with coding, ideally in Python or MATLABFunding supportThis studentship is open to Home students only.It is jointly supported by the Faculty of Engineering and industrial partners which is expected to provide matched funding and in-kind contributions.The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.The Faculty of Engineering provides a thriving working environment for all PGRs creating a strong sense of community across research disciplines. Community and research culture is important to our PGRs and the FoE support this by working closely with our Postgraduate Research Society (PGES) and our PGR Research Group Reps to enhance the research environment for PGRs. PGRs benefit from training through the Researcher Academy’s Training Programme, those based within the Faculty of Engineering have access to bespoke courses developed for Engineering PGRs. including sessions on paper writing, networking and career development after the PhD. The Faculty has outstanding facilities and works in partnership with leading industrial partners.Please contactMohammad Reza Ilkhani for further information and an informal discussion regarding this PhD.Email details to a friendView All VacanciesView Previous List Seniority levelSeniority level Internship Employment typeEmployment type Full-time Job functionJob function Research, Analyst, and Information Technology Industries Research Services Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at University of Nottingham by 2x Sign in to set job alerts for “PHD” roles.Research Scientist (Chemistry) - AI TrainerResearch Scientist (Chemistry) - AI TrainerResearch Fellow (Multiple positions, fixed term)Nottingham, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago Leicester, England, United Kingdom 2 hours ago Nottingham, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago Sutton In Ashfield, England, United Kingdom 3 weeks ago Nottinghamshire, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago Professor of Science and Innovation in Medical EducationNottingham, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago Derby, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago Research Associate -Analyzing Generational Differences in Attitudes to Immigration in EuropeDerby, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago Clinical Associate Professor - Academic Lead for Primary Care (Fixed term, multiple positions)Nottingham, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago Loughborough, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago Derby, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago Senior Research Associate in Health EconomicsLeicester, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago Beeston, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago Postdoctoral Chemistry Associate - AI TrainerSenior Laboratory Scientist - Aquatic EcotoxicologyDerby, England, United Kingdom 5 days ago Clinical Associate Professor - Academic Lead - Surgery (fixed term, part time)Nottingham, England, United Kingdom 3 weeks ago Derby, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago Derby, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago Derby, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago Research Associate/Fellow in Philosophy of AI or Responsible AI (FTC)Nottingham, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago Clinical Associate Professor - Academic Lead - Medicine (fixed term, part time)Nottingham, England, United Kingdom 3 weeks ago We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. 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