PhD Studentship: Fast Topology-Optimised Heat Exchangers for Circular Aircraft MRO

Imperial College London; Greater London; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full tuition coverage

Annual travel budget

Tax-free stipend £23,805

Job summary

Imperial College London invites applications for its October 2027 Doctoral Programme in Sustainable Aviation (DPSA). The PhD will develop automated topology optimisation methods for adaptable parts, connecting materials and additive manufacturing to aviation sustainability.

This interdisciplinary project combines physics-based modelling, optimisation, and machine learning to assess heat transfer, durability and environmental impact. Funding covers tuition, travel, and a tax-free stipend.

Qualifications

• 1st class honours Master’s in Aerospace Engineering or allied disciplines; or higher.
• Strong numerical methods and computational background required.
• Excellent written and verbal technical communication for publication.
• Demonstrated passion for sustainability and ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Open to Home and International students.

Responsibilities

• Develop automated topology optimisation methods for adaptable spare parts with available materials and additive manufacturing.
• Contribute to interdisciplinary research on aviation sustainability from a system perspective.
• Engage in training, networking and outreach to support project goals.

Skills

Numerical methods

Scientific computing

Problem solving

Communication

Education

1st class honours Master’s in Aerospace Engineering or allied disciplines

Job description

Supervisors: Professor Rob Hewson, Dr Ajit Panesar

Start date: October 2027

Application deadline: 4 January 2027

Introduction:

The Brahmal Institute invites applications for its October 2027 Doctoral Programme in Sustainable Aviation (DPSA). Under the 2027 strategic theme "sustainability across stakeholders", the cohort will undertake interdisciplinary research addressing aviation sustainability from a systems perspective, recognising the interconnected roles of airports, airlines, air traffic management, aircraft and passengers. Alongside their individual projects, students will benefit from shared learning, specialist training, networking and outreach, fostering collaboration to drive system-wide change towards more sustainable aviation.

Project overview:

Develop automated topology optimisation methods that adapt spare parts to available materials and additive manufacturing equipment while preserving performance. With applications in future airport hydrogen infrastructure, the project connects phase-change thermal-fluid modelling with component durability, inventory reduction and environmental benefits across aircraft maintenance and airport ground support.

This research will combine physics-based modelling, gradient-based optimisation and scientific machine learning to evaluate heat transfer, pressure loss and structural performance. Life-cycle assessment and inventory modelling will identify whether on-demand production reduces waste, transport and environmental impacts while maintaining reliable operations.

General Information:

• Duration: 3.5 years
• Funding: Full coverage of tuition fees. a generous travel budget, and an annual tax-free stipend of £23,805.

Eligibility:

• Having obtained or expect to obtain a 1st class honours Master's (or higher) degree in Aerospace Engineering or allied disciplines such as Computational Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mathematics, or Physics.
• Ability to develop and apply new concepts while prioritising work in response to deadlines.
• Creative approach to problem-solving.
• Ability to organise own work with minimal supervision.
• Excellent background in numerical methods, and scientific computing.
• Excellent verbal and written technical communication skills and the ability to write clearly and succinctly for publication
• Demonstrated understanding of and passion for sustainability.
• We are accepting applications from both Home and International students

Imperial is committed to equality and valuing diversity. We are an Athena SWAN Silver Award winner, a Stonewall Diversity Champion, a Disability Confident Employer and are working in partnership with GIRES to promote respect for trans people.

Further Information:

To learn more about Imperial College, please go to http://www.imperial.ac.uk/study/pg

For further inquiries, contact us at [e-mail]

Full coverage of tuition fees. a generous travel budget, and an annual tax-free stipend of £23,805.