The Â鶹´«Ã½'s achieved impressive results in the Research Excellence Framework (REF2021) and the world-leading and internationally excellent outputs from our engineering researchers in this and past REFs were complemented with impact studies that highlighted the value that our work brings to wider society. As a postgraduate student you will join dedicated research staff in a mission to make a difference to society through engineering.
You are likely to be joining the prestigious Advanced Engineering Centre (AEC). The centre has its own dedicated building and enjoys an international reputation for producing innovative, future-facing research in collaboration with organisations and businesses internationally. It attracts research expertise, partnerships and funding from across the world as well as contributing to complex global engineering problems and many of our successful PhD engineers have worked on established collaborative AEC projects .
At the Advanced Engineering Centre, we investigate and optimise complex thermofluid processes and develop laser-based measurement techniques, fundamental modelling and computational simulation and conduct engineering research across a range of areas including aeronautical, aerospace, electrical and manufacturing.
PhD students make their contribution to knowledge and take an active role in a range of intellectual and social activities and the AEC gives you opportunities to present ‘work in progress’ and network with other researchers.
Our research team collaborates with more than 40 academic institutions and 30 commercial companies, offering many opportunities for our PhD students to develop collaborations and build their international network.
Those who complete their postgraduate study with a PhD in Engineering from the Â鶹´«Ã½ often stay within academic research, predominantly by securing post-doctoral research positions or lecturing roles, both within UK and international institutes. Some of our graduates also work in Research & Development (R&D) departments for engineering companies.
The main focus of our Engineering research is to develop new knowledge for advanced energy systems and emerging technologies for ground and space applications. The scope of our research covers a number of fundamental, complementary activities as outlined below:
- Thermal propulsion systems - Significant improvements in the efficiency of thermal propulsion systems (e.g. engines), leading to more radical and disruptive approaches to conversion of heat into useful work.
- Thermofluid processes - Exploration and characterisation of complex thermofluid processes, including fluid dynamics, mass and heat transfer. We use a unique combination of both simulation and experimental work to better understand the physics of flows, droplets and sprays, to allow faster and more robust optimisation and validation of new and improved products.
- Heat management and energy storage - Design of heat transfer devices (e.g. heat exchangers, heat pipes and other two-phase systems) and energy storage systems, aiming to enhance efficiency of waste heat recovery systems, electronic cooling and renewable energy systems.
- Advanced construction materials
- Coastal, estuarine and river engineering
- Geotechnical engineering
- Resilient structures and earthquake engineering
- Smart infrastructure asset management
Beyond these core research areas many other engineering opportunities are available, including the study of educational technology, remanufacturing processes, magnetostrictive materials and acoustics.
Aerospace Engineering postgraduate research
At the Â鶹´«Ã½, aerospace engineering research is conducted within the internationally recognised Advanced Engineering Centre (AEC), a hub of excellence in applied thermofluids and sustainable propulsion technologies. Our research includes advanced engine cycles, including recuperated split-cycle and hydrogen-fueled systems, as well as the combustion of sustainable fuels like ammonia. We also focus on thermal management solutions for aerospace applications, such as loop heat pipes and cryogenic energy storage systems. The state-of-the-art facilities include optical flow diagnostic labs, engine test cells and EV test labs, supporting both experimental and computational investigations. We have a strong track record of collaborative projects with the European Space Agency (ESA), including experimental investigations conducted during parabolic flight campaigns that simulate microgravity conditions. Collaborations with industry partners, including Ricardo, and Advanced Propulsion Centre enables our research to address the challenges of sustainable systems.