Current research degree projects
Explore our current postgraduate research degree and PhD opportunities.
348 research degree projects
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Engineering | Physics and astronomy | Electronics and Computer Science | Mathematical sciences
Investigating surface textures to optimize flow dynamics using multi-fidelity surrogate modeling
This project will develop a multi-scale surrogate modeling framework to optimize passive surface textures (like dimples) for maximum fluid drag reduction. By enabling efficient shape optimization and identifying critical flow parameters, this research seeks to resolve conflicting results and advance the theoretical understanding and practical application of cost-effective flow control in transportation. -
Engineering
Ultrasonic detection and monitoring of challenging defects in composite pipes
Pipelines are the gold standard of long-range resource transport. Their integrity is paramount to the health of the environment, while remote automated monitoring with minimal intervention is essential for sustainability. Sound is the most powerful sensing modality, which has found numerous applications in non-destructive evaluation. This project addresses small, challenging defects in composite pipes that are not detectable using currently available approaches. This research will develop practical, field-applicable local imaging and long-range monitoring solutions. -
Physics and astronomy
Electrodynamics of the aurora
The aurora is an inherently electrical phenomenon, and electric fields and currents associated with aurora cause heating of the upper atmosphere, leading to expansion and drag on spacecraft. But how are the currents structured around auroral arcs of different types and widths, and what controls their variability? -
Engineering
Characterising complex materials using ultrasound
This project develops new methods for characterising materials using ultrasound. It focuses on modern manufacturing techniques (additive manufacturing) and classical challenging configurations (thick-section welds). The results of the project will provide invaluable information for component inspections, enabling interpretation and realistic remaining life prediction. -
Physics and astronomy
What makes psychedelic kaleidoscope aurora?
The aurora provides a unique natural laboratory for studying fundamental plasma physics and charged particle acceleration, and a stunning window on the energy flow from the solar wind into the Earth’s atmosphere. How is dynamic psychedelic kaleidoscope aurora formed, and what does it do to the upper atmosphere? -
Engineering
AI-Driven Durability Design of Sustainable Concrete for Marine Infrastructure
This project develops AI-assisted models to predict the durability of sustainable, low-carbon concrete in marine environments. Combining advanced characterisation of alternative cementitious systems and carbonated concretes with interpretable machine learning, it enables faster, more reliable design of long-lasting marine structures, advancing the transition to Net Zero and circular construction. -
Photonics and optoelectronics | Physics and astronomy
Quantum frequency conversion with alkali atoms: linking trapped ions to telecom networks
The future Quantum Internet requires coherent transfer of quantum states between disparate platforms. This project develops an alkali-atom-based quantum frequency converter to link trapped-ion quantum processors with telecommunication-wavelength networks. Enabling efficient interfacing between ions and long-distance fiber links is a critical step toward scalable, distributed quantum systems. -
Engineering
Physics-Informed AI for Energy-Efficient Automotive Aerodynamics
The Aerodynamic Translator is a technology that you'll develop to efficiently predict the aerodynamic performance of a ground vehicle, whether the shape of that object. -
Physics and astronomy
What are the drivers of fine scale aurora?
The aurora has a great variety of shapes and dynamics, indicative of energy transfer into the atmosphere, but the complexity of the system makes it extremely challenging to link these to geomagnetic and solar wind conditions, needed for forecasting. We can solve that problem statistically with a big data set. -
Engineering
Fluid topology optimisation for gas turbines
Hosted within the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre (UTC) for Computational Engineering, the following project aims to develop novel fluidic topology optimisation approaches for gas turbine component design by leveraging cutting edge machine/deep learning methods and computational fluid dynamics with the aim of revolutionising the solution of aerodynamic design problems.