Computer Simulation, Laser Shock Peening: Fully Funded PhD Studentship in Multi-physics modelli[...]

European Commission; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 21,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university invites UK and international applicants for a PhD position in mechanical engineering focused on the computational modelling of laser shock peening. This research aims to understand the physical phenomena involved and develop new software tools. The successful candidate will receive a stipend covering tuition fees.

Benefits

Covers full tuition fees

Annual stipend at UKRI rate

Research expenses of up to £1,000 per year

Qualifications

• Must hold an undergraduate degree with a 2:1 or a Master's in relevant fields.
• Familiarity with programming languages C++, Python, and/or Matlab desirable.
• Background in the physics of Laser Shock Peening beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Conduct computational modelling of laser shock peening using MD and FE simulations.
• Investigate physical conditions affecting shockwave design.
• Develop essential multi-physics software tools.

Skills

Computational modelling

Finite element method

C++

Python

Matlab

Education

Undergraduate degree with 2:1

Master's degree in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mathematics or Physics

Job description

Organisation/Company Swansea University Department Central Research Field Engineering » Computer engineering Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Country United Kingdom Application Deadline 23 Jun 2025 - 23:59 (Europe/London) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 1 Oct 2025 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

In the process of laser shock peening (LSP), metallic structural components are hit by controlled laserpulses.

The sudden vaporisation of material at the structural surface creates large magnitude pressure shock waves which induce compressive residual stresses in the structure, thereby improving the surface hardness and the resistance to fatigue cracking and to corrosion. LSP is more effective than traditional shot peening and is important for applications in the construction, aerospace and automotive industries. Other applications include the forming of thin components or the breaking-up of hard materials. The computer modelling of LSP remains challenging due to its multi-physics and multi-scale nature. The dependency of the process on the shape of the laser pulse, its energy, ablation layers etc. is not sufficiently understood. This involves complex physics at the interface of plasma physics, shock physics, material science and thermodynamics.

The objective of this project is the computational modelling of laser shock peening. Molecular Dynamics (MD) and Finite Element (FE) simulations will be combined to account for the complex physical phenomena and their different scales. The interdependence of physical conditions (pressure, pulse time, temperature) will be investigated, allowing for the design of efficient shockwaves. Essential multi-physics software tools will be developed. The project is a collaboration between Swansea University and the STFC (Scientific Computing Department + Central Laser Facility).

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 .

Specific Requirements

Open to: UK and international applicants

Applicant’s must hold an undergraduate degree with a 2:1 or a Master's degree in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mathematics or in Physics. The candidate must have a background and a keen interest in computational modelling and should be familiar with the finite element method. Programming skills and experience with C++, Python and/or Matlab are desirable. A background in the physics of Laser Shock Peening is beneficial but not conditional.

Additional Information

This scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees and an annual stipend at UKRI rate (currently £20,780 for 2025/26)

Additional research expenses of up to £1,000 per year will also be available.

Eligibility criteria

Open to: UK and international applicants

Applicant’s must hold an undergraduate degree with a 2:1 or a Master's degree in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mathematics or in Physics. The candidate must have a background and a keen interest in computational modelling and should be familiar with the finite element method. Programming skills and experience with C++, Python and/or Matlab are desirable. A background in the physics of Laser Shock Peening is beneficial but not conditional

Selection process

Please see our website for more information