About the Project

The 4D Materials and Printing Lab in the Department of Engineering at Nottingham Trent University is seeking to recruit a fully funded PhD student.

4D printing enables 3D-printed materials and structures to change shape, function or properties over time when exposed to external stimuli such as light, heat, electricity, magnetic fields or humidity. This project will focus on 4D-printed material systems and structures that combine controlled shape change with tuneable multifunctional response, while supporting low-energy and sustainable adaptive technologies.

The PhD student will investigate smart polymer composites, functional surfaces and adaptive structures fabricated using additive manufacturing. The student will explore how material choice, surface design, geometry, activation strategy and environmental conditions affect 3D configuration, temperature distribution, field-responsive behaviour, stability, controllability and repeatability.

The project will combine hands-on experimental work with modelling and design tools. The student will design, print and test adaptive structural elements capable of controlled deformation and multifunctional response. Thermal imaging, functional testing, modelling and design-of-experiments will be used to guide the work and develop reliable design rules.

The project is part of a wider UK-France research programme on 4D-printed materials and structures. The student will have opportunities to work with academic partners in the UK and France and contribute to the development of next-generation adaptive material systems and structures with improved performance, energy efficiency and sustainability.

Subject Area: 1. Materials 2. Design 3. Additive Manufacturing 4. Functional Integration

Skills and Experience: Candidates are expected to have a background in materials science, manufacturing engineering, mechanical engineering, polymer engineering, physics, robotics or a related discipline. Experience or interest in 3D printing, computer-aided design (CAD), smart materials, polymer composites, functional surfaces, experimental testing, or modelling would be advantageous. Full training will be provided for specialist equipment and methods.

Supervisor: Dr Mahdi Bodaghi

Co-supervisor: Prof. Richard Bibb