At a Glance
- Tasks: Explore programmable materials and their mechanical behaviours through innovative research.
- Company: Join the AIM Lab at Imperial College London, shaping the future of aeronautics.
- Benefits: Receive full tuition fees and a tax-free stipend of £23,805 annually.
- Other info: Engage in a dynamic research environment with opportunities for international presentations.
- Why this job: Make groundbreaking discoveries in materials science with real-world applications.
- Qualifications: First class honours degree in relevant fields; experience in simulation or fabrication is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 23805 - 23805 £ per year.
Start Date: Between 1 August 2027 and 1 July 2028
Application deadline: 23.59, 4 January 2027 (UK time)
Robots, software and digital memory can be reprogrammed after they are built. Materials, by contrast, have mechanical behaviour that is fixed at manufacture. This PhD will investigate whether that behaviour can be reprogrammed after fabrication. You will study architected entangled materials: networks of curved filaments whose stiffness and toughness arise from how the filaments interweave and contact one another. Fabrics and ropes are familiar examples. In these networks, small changes in contact and friction can produce very large changes in mechanical response.
The project will exploit this sensitivity by driving a weak deformation mode, orthogonal to the deformations caused by external loads, to reprogram the network. Ordinary loading does not activate this mode, so the network remains stiff and tough in service. Driving the mode deliberately changes the contact state and releases the network.
Potential applications include spacecraft trusses that can be reconfigured after launch, and wearable braces that stiffen to protect a joint and soften to allow movement.
Key objectives:
- Understand how contact and friction govern stiffness and toughness in each state
- Establish how driving a deformation mode that external loads do not activate changes the contact state
- Determine the range of loading over which this mode remains inactive
- Identify what limits the contrast in stiffness between the two states
The project is approximately 50% experimental, 40% computational and 10% theoretical.
You will join the AIM Lab, a new group in the Department of Aeronautics. As one of its first members, you will help shape the group. You will develop expertise in the mechanics of slender structures, contact and friction, and the geometry of filament networks. You will fabricate specimens using multi-material 3D printing and a robotic fabrication cell, test them mechanically, and write simulation code to model them. You will present at international conferences, including the annual meeting of the Society of Engineering Science and the Functionality through Nonlinearity conference. Imperial’s Early Career Researcher Institute provides training in research and career skills.
Supervisor: Dr Tian Chen
Duration: 3.5 years.
Funding: Full tuition fees and an annual tax-free stipend of £23,805 for Home, EU and International students.
Eligibility: Candidates will be expected to achieve/have achieved a First class honours MEng/MSci or higher degree (or international equivalent) in: Aeronautics, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related engineering or physical science subject.
We are looking for:
- Experience of finite element analysis or of writing simulation code, ideally for slender structures;
- Fabrication or mechanical testing experience is an advantage;
- An interest in geometry and topology;
- No prior knowledge of textiles is expected;
- willingness to work both in the laboratory and computationally.
Contact:
For project questions: Dr Tian Chen
For admissions questions, see our Frequently Asked Questions. If your question is not answered, email: PhD Administrator (Admissions)
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: 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.
PhD Studentship in Aeronautics: Programmable matter from entangled architected materials (AE0088) in London employer: Imperial College London
Imperial College London is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation within the International Relations Office. Employees benefit from professional growth opportunities, a commitment to diversity, and the chance to engage in meaningful projects that have a global impact, all set in the heart of one of the world's leading academic institutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land PhD Studentship in Aeronautics: Programmable matter from entangled architected materials (AE0088) in London
✨Connect with University Networks
Let’s leverage your university connections! Many universities have aerospace engineering societies or workshops where major companies often scout for talent. Give those events a go, and don’t hesitate to chat with guest lecturers or industry professionals — they might just know about upcoming internships!
✨Get Involved in Relevant Projects
Hands-on experience is key in aerospace engineering! Look for summer projects, competitions, or even university research roles that showcase your skills. The more you can demonstrate practical experience, the better your chances at landing that internship!
✨Show Off Your Passion for Aerospace
Join online communities focused on aerospace engineering, like forums or LinkedIn groups. Participate in discussions and share your projects or insights. This visibility can set you apart and get you noticed by recruiters looking for passionate interns like you!
✨Consider Local Aerospace Events
Keep an eye out for aerospace expos or job fairs in your area. These are excellent opportunities to network face-to-face with potential employers. Bring some copies of your CV, and don't forget to mention that you're eyeing an internship with companies like Imperial College London!
We think you need these skills to ace PhD Studentship in Aeronautics: Programmable matter from entangled architected materials (AE0088) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Relevant Skills:In aerospace engineering, it's key to highlight your technical skills upfront. Make sure to mention any design software you’ve used, like CATIA or SolidWorks, and detail any projects you’ve worked on, whether in university or personal endeavours. It shows you're ready to hit the ground running!
Tailor Your CV to the Role:Since this is an internship, we want to see your learning potential. Focus on relevant coursework, projects, and any hands-on experience in aerospace or engineering. Don't forget to include extracurricular activities like joining engineering clubs or competitions that can showcase your passion for the field!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Here’s your chance to tell your story! Explain why aerospace engineering excites you and what you hope to learn from Imperial College London. Be genuine about your motivation and don’t shy away from sharing specific goals you have for the internship — it helps us see your enthusiasm and how you could fit our team!
Include Academic Achievements:Your academic record can make a real difference, especially for an internship. Highlight any relevant courses you excelled in and include your grades, particularly in maths and physics. If you’ve participated in research or published any papers, be sure to mention them as well — it gives us an insight into your technical background!
How to prepare for a job interview at Imperial College London
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Fundamentals
Since we're diving into the world of aerospace engineering, make sure you're solid on the core concepts. Expect questions on aerodynamics, materials science, and propulsion systems. It’ll give you a great chance to showcase your knowledge and passion for the field!
✨Showcase Your Projects
As an intern, what they want to see is your potential and enthusiasm! Prepare a portfolio of relevant projects or coursework. Even if they’re just uni assignments, if you got into the nitty-gritty details, it shows you’ve got the skills we need to develop further.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Aerospace engineering often involves tackling complex problems, so be ready for some situational questions. You might be asked to solve a hypothetical engineering challenge on the spot, so think through your problem-solving process and be clear in your explanations.
✨Convey Your Learning Mindset
As this is an internship, they'll be looking for candidates who are eager to learn and grow. Be prepared to talk about what you want to achieve during your internship at Imperial College London. Show them that you’re keen to absorb knowledge from their expertise in the industry, and how those experiences will shape your career.
