About the project
This project investigates the microstructural evolution and mechanical behaviour of laser-sintered lunar regolith. Combining advanced microscopy, nano-/micro-mechanical testing, and graph neural network modelling, the research will uncover how glass formation and pore topology control strength, enabling predictive design of next-generation regolith-based building materials.
Building structures on the Moon or Mars is no longer science fiction, it is an engineering frontier. Future space missions will require infrastructure built in situ from local materials, rather than transporting heavy supplies from Earth. Laser and solar sintering of lunar regolith (the dust and rock covering the Moon’s surface) offers a revolutionary path to fabricate landing pads, shelters, and roads directly on extraterrestrial terrain.
However, sintered regolith forms a complex glass–crystal composite with irregular pores and melt necks, and its mechanical performance remains poorly understood. Unlocking how these microstructures control strength and stiffness is essential before this technology can be trusted for real construction beyond Earth.
This PhD project aims to decode the process–microstructure–property relationships in laser-sintered regolith and develop AI-assisted predictive models for their mechanical behaviour. Working with samples produced under controlled laser parameters, the student will characterise phase assemblage, glass formation, pore morphology, and micromechanical properties using advanced tools such as SEM/BSE, X-ray CT, nanoindentation, and micro-pillar compression. These results will form the foundation of a graph neural network (GNN) that learns how microstructural descriptors govern stiffness and strength, enabling predictive and interpretable design of regolith-based building materials.
The project bridges materials science, mechanics, and artificial intelligence, positioning the student at the cutting edge of space manufacturing and sustainable infrastructure research—pioneering materials that could one day support human life on the Moon.
What’s in it for you?
- conduct pioneering research in space construction materials within the University of Southampton’s world-class laboratories for materials testing and data-driven engineering
- gain hands-on experience with advanced microscopy (SEM, XCT), nano-/micro-mechanical testing, and AI modelling
- join an interdisciplinary team spanning civil, mechanical, and material engineering, and collaborate with international partners in regolith processing and lunar infrastructure
- build highly transferable skills for careers in materials research, AI-assisted design, or aerospace and construction innovation.
You will receive training in:
- advanced microstructural characterisation (SEM, XCT, Raman, XRD)
- micromechanical testing (nanoindentation, micro-pillar compression)
- data analytics and machine learning for materials design
Professional development will be supported through the University of Southampton’s Doctoral College, including courses in research methods, scientific writing, and communication. Opportunities for teaching, supervision, and international collaboration will be available.
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.
