About the project
Smart multifunctional metamaterials could transform aviation by absorbing impacts, reducing cabin noise and enhancing ultrasonic and thermal-wave imaging of hidden damage. In this PhD, you will design, optimise and experimentally test novel lightweight metamaterial architectures, combining computational modelling and advanced manufacturing to enable the next generation of safer, quieter aircraft.
Smart multifunctional metamaterials offer new opportunities to enhance the performance of lightweight aerospace structures through innovative material design and tailored architectures. Their integration into aircraft composite structures could enable improved impact protection, acoustic performance and advanced sensing and non-destructive testing, combining multiple functions without unnecessary increases in weight or complexity.
This PhD will investigate how metamaterial architectures can be designed and optimised to integrate these functions into lightweight aerospace structures.
The research will explore two complementary directions:
- multifunctional structural metamaterials: developing resonant structures and architected lattices potentially incorporating advanced materials, including graphene-based materials and lightweight aerogels, to control energy transfer, improve impact resistance, enhance sound absorption and reduce noise transmission
- advanced sensing and non-destructive testing: exploring acoustic and thermal metamaterials to manipulate and focus ultrasonic and thermal waves for structural sensing, ultrasonic inspection and thermal-wave imaging, enhancing the detection and characterisation of defects such as delaminations and barely visible impact damage.
A central challenge will be the AI-driven inverse design and performance optimisation of these architectures, balancing mechanical and acoustic performance, sensing and inspection sensitivity, weight and manufacturability.
You will use finite element modelling, parametric optimisation and machine learning to develop innovative configurations. Selected designs will be manufactured and experimentally evaluated at the University of Southampton using advanced facilities and techniques, including laser vibrometry, ultrasonic scanning, infrared thermography and dynamic impact testing.
The project offers opportunities to develop expertise in AI and machine learning, metamaterial design and optimisation, acoustics, advanced materials, structural sensing, ultrasonic and thermographic NDT, and experimental validation.
The School of Engineering is committed to promoting equality, diversity inclusivity as demonstrated by our Athena SWAN award. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking flexible working patterns and those who have taken a career break. The University has a generous maternity policy, onsite childcare facilities, and offers a range of benefits to help ensure employees’ well-being and work-life balance. The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.
