Nonlinear Dynamics Vibration Attenuation: Fully Funded PhD Studentship in Shock and Vibration M[...]

Swansea University; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 21,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious university in the UK is offering a fully funded PhD position in Aerospace Engineering focusing on shock and vibration mitigation techniques. The successful candidate will engage in an interdisciplinary research project involving mechanical engineering and materials science, contributing to sustainability in geothermal applications. This role requires a 2.1 undergraduate degree in Engineering and proficiency in English. Scholarships cover full tuition and offer an annual stipend.

Benefits

Fully funded scholarships

Annual stipend at £20,780

Additional research expenses available

Qualifications

• Hold an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level or equivalent in a relevant science discipline.
• Have knowledge in mechanical engineering, materials science, and control systems.
• Demonstrate proficiency in numerical simulation and experimental testing.

Responsibilities

• Conduct literature reviews on shock and vibration mitigation techniques.
• Develop optimal passive mitigation solutions for components under harsh conditions.
• Work closely with D-TECH on testing methods for industrial-scale structures.

Skills

Mechanical engineering

Materials science

Control systems

Numerical simulation

Experimental validation

Education

Undergraduate degree at 2.1 level in Engineering

Job description

Organisation/Company Swansea University Department Central Research Field Engineering » Aerospace engineering Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Country United Kingdom Application Deadline 27 Oct 2025 - 23:59 (Europe/London) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 1 Jan 2026 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

The project starts with a literature review on shock and vibration mitigation techniques in rotary steerable tools and similar downhole systems to establish the current state of the art and identify knowledge gaps. The project involves both linear and nonlinear dynamics modelling and analysis, as well as experimental testing. An equivalent test structure will first be constructed in the vibration laboratory at Swansea University. This demonstrator will closely replicate the industrial structure to ensure the relevance of the research undertaken in this PhD study.

A major aspect of the work is the development of optimal passive mitigation solutions through the enhancement of components such as elastomers. These elements will be selected and optimised to absorb and isolate shock and vibration while remaining functional under harsh geothermal conditions.

The candidate is expected to work closely with D-TECH and may undertake a secondment period to test and apply the developed methods on industrial-scale structures.

This highly interdisciplinary project combines mechanical engineering, materials science, and control systems, and will require both numerical simulation and experimental validation. The outcomes of this research aim to significantly enhance the reliability, efficiency, and operational lifespan of RSTs in geothermal applications, thereby supporting the advancement of sustainable energy technologies.

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

Note for international and European applicants: details of how your qualification compares to the published academic entry requirements can be found on our Country Specific Entry Requirements page.

Please note that the programme requires some applicants to hold ATAS clearance, further details on ATAS scheme eligibility are available on the UK Government website.

ATAS clearance IS NOT required to be held as part of the scholarship application process. Successful award winners (as appropriate) are provided with details as to how to apply for ATAS clearance in tandem with a scholarship course offer.

International Students: Fully funded if the applicant is successful in being offered a SUIPRES Scholarship as outlined below.

SUIPRES: Swansea University is pleased to offer the Swansea University International Postgraduate Research Excellence Scholarship (SUIPRES). This is a competitively awarded Scholarship open to overseas PhD and Professional Doctorate applicants eligible for the international rate of tuition fees who can demonstrate excellence in academic achievement.

The SUIPRES Scholarship covers the difference between the International and the Home tuition fee for the duration of the PhD/Professional Doctorate programme. Successful candidates will be charged fees aligned to the UK rate per year. The scholarship will be offset against your tuition fee liability.

All International applications will be considered for a SUIPRES Scholarship. You will be informed whether a SUIPRES Scholarship will be offered within your offer letter.

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

PhD: 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.

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.

Note for international and European applicants: details of how your qualification compares to the published academic entry requirements can be found on our Country Specific Entry Requirements page.

Please note that the programme requires some applicants to hold ATAS clearance, further details on ATAS scheme eligibility are available on the UK Government website.

ATAS clearance IS NOT required to be held as part of the scholarship application process. Successful award winners (as appropriate) are provided with details as to how to apply for ATAS clearance in tandem with a scholarship course offer.

International Students: Fully funded if the applicant is successful in being offered a SUIPRES Scholarship as outlined below.

SUIPRES: Swansea University is pleased to offer the Swansea University International Postgraduate Research Excellence Scholarship (SUIPRES). This is a competitively awarded Scholarship open to overseas PhD and Professional Doctorate applicants eligible for the international rate of tuition fees who can demonstrate excellence in academic achievement.

The SUIPRES Scholarship covers the difference between the International and the Home tuition fee for the duration of the PhD/Professional Doctorate programme. Successful candidates will be charged fees aligned to the UK rate per year. The scholarship will be offset against your tuition fee liability

All International applications will be considered for a SUIPRES Scholarship. You will be informed whether a SUIPRES Scholarship will be offered within your offer letter.

Selection process

Please see our website for more information.