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 brahmal-institute@imperial.ac.uk
Full coverage of tuition fees. a generous travel budget, and an annual tax-free stipend of £23,805.
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PhD Studentship: Fast Topology-Optimised Heat Exchangers for Circular Aircraft MRO 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.
