PhD Studentship: Electroactive 4D-Printed Morphing Structures via Mechanical Instabilities

4D printing is emerging as a transformative manufacturing paradigm in which 3D-printed structures are engineered to change shape over time in response to external stimuli. In an engineering context, this enables a new generation of morphing structures that are lightweight, compactly stowed, and capable of autonomous reconfiguration—offering major advantages for applications where conventional mechanisms are the opposite. This PhD will explore electroactive shape-memory polymer (SMP) morphing structures activated by Joule heating, aiming to achieve large, rapid, and repeatable motion without reliance on motors or complex assemblies. A central scientific opportunity is to exploit structural instabilities—where non-linear mechanics can amplify motion via snap-through (non-linear snap-back)—so that relatively small, localised actuation produces large, global shape change. The project will investigate how to encode and control these instabilities in additively manufactured architectures, enabling robust “motion amplification” while maintaining structural integrity and repeatability.

Research objectives

The PhD student will develop and test electroactive morphing structures that deliberately exploit mechanical instabilities to enhance actuation authority. The work will combine design, modelling, fabrication, and experiments to deliver design principles for instability-enabled electroactive morphing.

The PhD will involve

• Design and modelling of instability-enabled morphing architectures, including bistable and snap-through structures (e.g., shells, arches, lattices, hinge-inspired unit cells) to achieve motion amplification and controlled deployment paths.
• Development and fabrication of electroactive 4D-printed specimens (single- and multi-material), integrating conductive pathways and actuation zones compatible with Joule heating.
• Experimental characterisation of actuation and instability behaviour, including kinematics (fold angle/displacement), force/energy landscape, repeatability over cycles, and failure modes under repeated snap-through events.
• Electro-thermal diagnostics and actuation control, including resistance monitoring, Joule-heating strategies, and thermal-field measurement to manage hotspots and enable repeatable triggering.

Ideal candidate profile

We welcome applicants with a strong background in one or more of:

• Mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, civil engineering, materials science, mechatronics, robotics, or applied physics
• Additive manufacturing / 3D printing and experimental mechanics
• Numerical modelling (FEA) and/or programming (Python/Matlab)

Experience with 4D printing or SMPs is helpful but not essential—the project is suitable for a motivated candidate keen to develop expertise at the intersection of mechanics, materials, and manufacturing.

Further information

Why join this project?

This PhD project is part of HORUS 4D, a £2.2M consortium comprising six academic institutions in the UK and France dedicated to advancing 4D printing. The position offers numerous networking opportunities, including participation in workshops and international conferences. Additionally, three-month secondments at partner institutions will be incorporated into the work plan.

The successful candidate will be expected to start their position in September 2026 (duration 3 years).

How to apply

Please submit:

• CV (including relevant projects and technical skills)
• Cover letter / personal statement (max 300 words)
• Academic transcripts (or interim transcript)

Principal Supervisor
Dr Francisca Martinez-Hergueta

Assistant Supervisor
Dr Matteo Taffetani

Eligibility

Minimum criteria:

• a 2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent).
• the University’s English language requirements.

Funding

Tuition fees + stipend are available for Home students only. To qualify as a Home student, you must fulfil one of the following criteria:

• You are a UK student
• You are an EU student with settled/pre-settled status who also has 3 years residency in the UK/EEA/Gibraltar/Switzerland immediately before the start of your Programme. (International students not eligible.)

Informal Enquiries
francisca.mhergueta@ed.ac.uk