At a Glance
- Tasks: Explore hydrogen behaviour in aircraft tanks and conduct hands-on experiments.
- Company: Cranfield University and TWI Ltd, leaders in aerospace research.
- Benefits: Tax-free bursary up to £23,000, fees covered, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive environment with excellent networking and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of zero-emission aviation and make a real-world impact.
- Qualifications: First-class degree in Aerospace/Mechanical engineering; coding and numerical analysis skills preferred.
The predicted salary is between 23000 - 23000 € per year.
Are you fascinated in shaping the future of zero-emission aviation? This PhD investigates how liquid hydrogen (LH₂) moves inside lightweight composite tanks during aircraft manoeuvres and whether this can cause hydrogen to leak. You will combine hands-on experiments with numerical modelling to understand sloshing effects on tank performance and safety.
The project offers the opportunity to collaborate closely with TWI Ltd on the permeation analysis of the composites tank walls. It will also provide opportunities to work closely with aircraft manufacturers, fuel tank designers, and regulators, ensuring your research has real-world impact. By generating key cryogenic hydrogen data and sharing findings, your work will help enable safe, certifiable hydrogen-powered aircraft and contribute directly to the UK’s net-zero aviation goals.
This project aims to investigate manoeuvre-induced LH₂ sloshing and hydrogen permeation in composite cryogenic tanks. It combines scaled experiments and computational modelling (CFD, FEA, FSI) to predict permeation, validate multi-physics simulations, and develop design insights for safe, lightweight hydrogen storage in aircraft under realistic flight conditions.
Cranfield’s Centre for Aeronautics, Propulsion and Power is a leading postgraduate hub for aerospace education and research, offering PhD and MSc programmes in aircraft design, propulsion, simulation, and sustainable flight. The centre offers hands-on experience with flight simulators, labs, and industry collaborations addressing real aerospace challenges.
The Hydrogen Integration Research Centre (HIRC), part of the Cranfield Hydrogen Integration Incubator (CH2i), provides cutting-edge facilities for hydrogen production, storage, and materials testing, enabling interdisciplinary research on safe, efficient hydrogen systems for aviation. Together, these centres offer unique opportunities to the researchers to develop specialist expertise and contribute to net-zero aviation technologies.
TWI Ltd, a global leader in materials joining and engineering solutions, is advancing technologies for safe, efficient hydrogen storage and use. Through TWI’s long standing National Structural Integrity Research Centre, TWI will host the research student for a significant period at their world leading facilities to gain hands-on experience with advanced testing and analysis techniques for composite materials.
You will have the following opportunities:
- Specialised interdisciplinary training on aircraft loading actions and cryogenics.
- On board flight training from Cranfield’s National Flying Laboratory Centre (NFLC) to understand the aircraft motions and to collect and process the real time flight data.
- Complementary skills in risk assessment (HAZOP), aviation safety regulations, and responsible research practices.
- Engagement with industrial partners and workshops to understand practical challenges in hydrogen certification and sustainable aviation.
- Support may be available for national or international conference and workshop travel, providing opportunities to present research findings and engage with leading experts in the field.
- Access to Cranfield’s development workshops such as Doctoral Researchers Core Development Programme.
At a glance:
- Application deadline: 10 Jun 2026
- Award type(s): PhD
- Start date: 28 Sep 2026
- Duration of award: 3.5 years (full-time)
- Eligibility: UK, Rest of world
- Reference number: CRAN-0071
- Supervisor: 1st Supervisor: Dr Ammasai Sengodan Ganapathi, 2nd Supervisor: Prof Martin Skote, Industry Supervisor: Alex Skordos (TWI Ltd)
Entry requirements:
- Applicant should possess a first-class or upper second-class UK honours degree (or equivalent) in Aerospace/Mechanical or related engineering field.
- Experience in coding, numerical analysis (CFD/FEA/FSI) and background in composite structures is advantageous.
- A strong passion for designing and conducting high-quality laboratory-scale experiments is highly desirable.
Funding:
Sponsored by EPSRC, TWI Ltd and Cranfield University, this studentship will provide a bursary of up to £23,000 (tax free) plus fees for three and a half years with an enhanced stipend to attract outstanding candidates. This studentship is open to both Home and Overseas fee status students, however we are only permitted to offer a limited number of studentships to students with Overseas fee status. Eligibility for Home fee status is determined with reference to UK Department for Education rules.
Diversity and Inclusion at Cranfield:
We are committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion in our CDT program, and warmly encourage applications from students of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups. We particularly welcome students with disabilities, neurodiverse individuals, and those who identify with diverse ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, cultures, and socioeconomic statuses. Cranfield strives to provide an accessible and inclusive environment to enable all doctoral candidates to thrive and achieve their full potential.
At Cranfield, we value our diverse staff and student community and maintain a culture where everyone can work and study together harmoniously with dignity and respect. This is reflected in our University values of ambition, impact, respect and community. We welcome students and staff from all backgrounds from over 100 countries and support our staff and students to realise their full potential, from academic achievement to mental and physical wellbeing.
We are committed to progressing the diversity and inclusion agenda, for example; gender diversity in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) through our Athena SWAN Bronze award and action plan, we are members of the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) and Working Families, and sponsors of International Women in Engineering Day. We are also Disability Confident Level 1 Employers and members of the Business Disability Forum and Stonewall University Champions Programme.
Cranfield Doctoral Network:
Research students at Cranfield benefit from being part of a dynamic, focused and professional study environment and all become valued members of the Cranfield Doctoral Network. This network brings together both research students and staff, providing a platform for our researchers to share ideas and collaborate in a multi-disciplinary environment. It aims to encourage an effective and vibrant research culture, founded upon the diversity of activities and knowledge. A tailored programme of seminars and events, alongside our Doctoral Researchers Core Development programme (transferable skills training), provide those studying a research degree with a wealth of social and networking opportunities.
How to apply:
For further information please contact: Name: Dr Ammasai Sengodan Ganapathi Email: g.ammasaisengodan@cranfield.ac.uk If you are eligible to apply for this studentship, please complete the online application form. Please note that applications will be reviewed as they are received. Therefore, we encourage early submission, as the position may be filled before the stated deadline.
TWI Culture:
As one of the world’s leading independent research and technology organisations, we are committed to attracting, motivating and retaining the best talent from around the world. Our goal is to develop the next generation of experts to address future industry challenges. We are committed to creating a culture that recognises and respects the differences between people while valuing the contribution everyone makes to TWI. The diversity of our staff and students makes a positive and important contribution to our continuing success.
TWI offers a comprehensive training programme, incorporating both in-house and external courses to support staff development.
TWI Values:
Our six values provide a point of reference for the way we expect our people to operate and behave.
- Inclusion: Valuing the contribution from every individual, creating value for our customers.
- Teamwork: Building effective working relationships, we accomplish more together.
- Adaptability: Engaging positively with change to meet the needs of the business.
- Taking Responsibility: Achieving our objectives and personal development.
- Innovation & Expertise: Championing new ideas and sharing knowledge to solve industry problems.
- Customer Focus: Building trusting relationships with our customers.
Sloshing-induced permeation of hydrogen in composite LH2 storage tanks under aircraft manoeuvring loads - PhD employer: TWI
Cranfield University, in collaboration with TWI Ltd, offers an exceptional opportunity for PhD candidates passionate about zero-emission aviation. With access to cutting-edge facilities and a vibrant research culture, students will benefit from specialised training, hands-on experience, and the chance to engage with industry leaders, all while contributing to groundbreaking research that supports the UK's net-zero aviation goals. The inclusive work environment fosters diversity and personal growth, making it an ideal place for aspiring researchers to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sloshing-induced permeation of hydrogen in composite LH2 storage tanks under aircraft manoeuvring loads - PhD
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current PhD students or alumni from Cranfield and TWI. They can give you insider info on the application process and what it’s really like to work on projects like this.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your hands dirty! If you can, try to gain some practical experience in composite materials or cryogenics before applying. It’ll not only boost your CV but also give you great talking points during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential supervisors or during interviews, make sure to express your enthusiasm for zero-emission aviation and how your research can contribute to it.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s super important to follow the application instructions carefully. Missing that could mean missing out on this amazing opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Sloshing-induced permeation of hydrogen in composite LH2 storage tanks under aircraft manoeuvring loads - PhD
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start your application, make sure to read the job description thoroughly. It’s packed with details about what we’re looking for, and understanding these will help you tailor your application to show us why you're the perfect fit!
Show Your Passion for Aviation:We want to see your enthusiasm for zero-emission aviation! In your application, highlight any relevant experiences or projects that demonstrate your interest in sustainable aviation and hydrogen technologies. Let your passion shine through!
Highlight Relevant Skills and Experience:Make sure to showcase your skills in coding, numerical analysis, and composite structures. If you've got hands-on experience with experiments or simulations, don’t hold back! We love seeing how your background aligns with our project.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember, don’t apply via Workday! Use the application link at the bottom of the advert to submit your application. This ensures it gets to the right place and helps us keep track of everything smoothly.
How to prepare for a job interview at TWI
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the fundamentals of sloshing-induced permeation and how it relates to composite LH2 storage tanks. Brush up on your knowledge of cryogenics, numerical modelling, and the specific challenges faced in aviation. This will show your passion and expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss any hands-on experiments or projects you've worked on, especially those involving composite materials or numerical analysis. Be ready to explain your role, the outcomes, and what you learned. This will help demonstrate your practical skills and readiness for the PhD.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Come prepared with questions that show your interest in the project and the collaboration with TWI Ltd. Inquire about the specific methodologies they use for permeation analysis or how they envision the research impacting zero-emission aviation. This will highlight your enthusiasm and critical thinking.
✨Connect with the Supervisors
Research Dr Ammasai Sengodan Ganapathi and Prof Martin Skote's work before the interview. Mention any relevant publications or projects they've been involved in and express how your interests align with theirs. Building rapport with your potential supervisors can make a lasting impression.
