Characterising complex materials using ultrasound

About the Project

Supervisory team: Dr Michal Kalkowski

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.

The industry highly desires the ability to measure material characteristics on operating components without destroying them. Complex materials underpin critical applications, including nuclear energy generation, subsea transport, and aircraft. These materials are subjected to challenging conditions, such as high pressure and high temperature, which make defect initiation a real possibility.

In this project, you will combine numerical modelling, experiments, and machine learning to develop methods for characterising materials using ultrasound. You will work with realistic samples and defect scenarios, integrating ray tomography, full waveform inversion, and physics-enhanced machine learning.

The project will be enhanced by our links with industrial collaborators and the UK non-destructive testing community (Research Centre for Non-Destructive Evaluation). You will join the Institute of Sound and Vibration Research, a vibrant and diverse research community passionate about sound, ultrasound, vibration, and sensing across all industrial sectors. You will benefit from excellent research facilities and the multidisciplinary environment.

Entry requirements:

You must have a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent.

We are looking for candidates with backgrounds in engineering, applied mathematics, applied physics, or computer science. The project requires using Python and its scientific computing modules, so knowledge of these is beneficial.

Willingness to combine experimental work with computation, including high-performance computing, is essential.

Fees and funding:

Full scholarships include tuition fees, a tax-free stipend at the UKRI rate for up to 3.5 years (totalling £20,780 for 2025/26, rising annually). UK, EU and Horizon Europe students are eligible for scholarships. Chinese Scholarship Council-funded students are eligible for fee waivers.

Funding for other international applicants is very limited and highly competitive. Overseas students who have secured or are seeking external funding are welcome to apply.

How to apply:

Apply now

Please apply via the online portal and select:

• programme type: research
• academic year: 2026/27
• if you will be full time or part time
• faculty: Engineering and Physical Sciences
• search for programme PhD Engineering & the Environment (7175)
• please add the name of the supervisor in section 2 of the application.

Applications should include:

• your CV (resumé)
• 2 academic references
• degree transcripts/ certificates to date
• English language qualification (if applicable)