About the project
This project aims to understand how carbon fibre composite materials are affected by extremely cold temperatures (around 20 Kelvin, or -253°C), using both experiments and computer simulations. This research is crucial for designing fuel tanks that can safely store liquid hydrogen on aircraft.
Hydrogen-powered aircraft need composite cryogenic tanks that never “crack-to-leak”. At liquid hydrogen (LH₂) temperatures, fibre-reinforced laminates suffer microcracking and delamination; under thermal cycling and extreme temperature condition, cracks can link to form gas-permeable paths. Design data and predictive models for fracture toughness and leak onset in hydrogen environments are scarce.
You will characterise crack initiation and growth in polymer-matrix composite laminates from 20–100 Kelvin, with and without hydrogen exposure. Using mode-I/II/III and mixed-mode tests, you will measure cryogenic K_IC, G_Ic, G_IIc, fatigue crack-growth rates, and map how microstructure and fibre–matrix interfaces govern crack initiation, propagation and even permeation behaviours. In-situ Digital Image Correlation (DIC) and acoustic emission, and permeation rigs will reveal “crack-to-leak” transitions.
You will develop and validate cohesive-zone, percolation and multi-scale Finite Element (FE) models to predict leak thresholds and lifetime, and propose barrier/interleaf design rules and test protocols for certification.
This project has industrial links with aerospace and material supplier partners, placements may be possible, and conference travel will be supported. You will have access to UK leading cryogenic and hydrogen lab, cryogenic thermal-cycling, in-situ cryogenic permeation measurement and other bespoke facilities, micro-computed tomography (CT), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and high-performance computing.
The project provides training in the following:
- cryogenic material testing and characterisation
- bespoke cryogenic testing facility design
- fracture mechanics
- composite manufacturing
- hydrogen safety
- finite-element modelling, such as ABAQUS
- data analysis
- research commercialisation
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.
