PhD studentship: UMBRELA – Understanding of Multiaxial Behaviour of Emerging Lightweight Alloys for sustainable mobility.

Award Summary

100% fees covered, and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £19,237 (2024/25 UKRI rate). Additional project costs will also be provided.

Overview

Existing material models of titanium alloys are still far from capturing the complexity of real-world scenarios such as collision or impact. This project aims to develop novel experimental techniques and practical numerical models to address this gap, focusing on the multiaxial behaviour at elevated strain rates. You will be part of a diverse and multidisciplinary research community at the School of Engineering and access cutting-edge facilities at Newcastle University and collaborate with top research institutes/universities, developing expertise in mechanical characterisation and modelling of titanium alloys through a comprehensive pathway. The supervisory team, with significant technical expertise, experience and industry contacts, ensures a high quality and impactful PhD journey.

Number Of Awards

One

Start Date

1st October 2025

Award Duration

4 years

Application Closing Date

7th March 2025

Sponsor

EPSRC

Supervisors

Dr Yuan Xu, Professor Kenneth Dalgarno, Professor Brian Shaw

Eligibility Criteria

A minimum 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a subject relevant to the proposed PhD project (e.g., solid mechanics, mechanical/aerospace/civil engineering, metallurgy or material science, etc.) is our standard entry, however we place value on prior experience, enthusiasm for research, and the ability to think and work independently. Excellent Analytical skills and strong verbal and written communication skills are also essential requirements. A Masters qualification is not required if you have a minimum 2:1 degree or can evidence alternative experience in a work or research-based project. If you have alternative qualifications or experience, please contact us to discuss. 

For EPSRC DLA applications we are following the EDEPI competency-based framework. Please read and complete this document as your Personal statement, and upload this with your application. Applications which do not include this document will not be considered. Further details can be found here.

Home and international applicants (inc. EU) are welcome to apply and if successful will receive a full studentship. Applicants whose first language is not English require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all sub-skills.

International applicants may require an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) clearance certificate prior to obtaining their visa and to study on this programme. 

How To Apply

You must apply through the University’s Apply to Newcastle Portal 

Once registered select ‘Create a Postgraduate Application’.  

Use ‘Course Search’ to identify your programme of study:  

·        search for the ‘Course Title’ using the programme code: 8090F

·        select ‘PhD Mechanical and Systems Engineering (full time)’ as the programme of study 

You will then need to provide the following information in the ‘Further Details’ section:  

·        a ‘Personal Statement’ (this is a mandatory field) – Use this template

·        the studentship code DLA2508 in the ‘Studentship/Partnership Reference’ field.  

·        when prompted for how you are providing your research proposal – select ‘Write Proposal’. You should then type in the title of the research project from this advert. You do not need to upload a research proposal.   

You must submit one application per studentship, you cannot apply for multiple studentships on one application.

Contact Details

Dr Yuan Xu (yuan.xu@newcastle.ac.uk)You can also contact: doctoral.awards@ncl.ac.uk for independent advice on your application.