Improving continuum modelling of transport through foams

About the Project

Foams are used across industries—from aerospace to packaging—providing cushioning during transit, thermal insulation, and structural reinforcement in a range of applications. However, the mechanisms underpinning transport and reactions within some of these materials are still not well understood and there is a lack of effective mathematical modelling. Therefore, significant efforts are being devoted to understanding possible mechanisms and their effective modelling, with the aim of predicting transport/reaction characteristics of foam materials. While it is often appropriate to model transport of inert mobile species through un-foamed polymers via a simple diffusion equation and Henry’s mode sorption model, complexities arise when foams and composite materials are considered, as well as non-inert mobile species such as water.

Project

The PhD will focus on improving the mechanistic understanding of transport through foams, with the aim of increasing accuracy / reducing uncertainties associated with mathematical modelling approaches based on PDE (partial-differential equation) descriptions. It will also investigate how material structure and gas-material interactions result in continuum level mechanisms, and when they are expected to occur. This is vital in terms of being able to accurately simulate transport through materials and understanding when different mechanisms are expected to be important. The models produced by this PhD will be used to support: i) focusing experimental resource; ii) aiding with down-selection of candidate materials and iii) predicting material characteristics through their life.

This PhD will be structured by considering a collection of closely related sub-problems throughout the 3.5-year PhD, typically expecting to consider one topic area per year. Collectively, the work will progress the current continuum (PDE) models of ageing and compatibility for polymeric foams.

Eligibility

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering related discipline.

Funding

This 3.5-year PhD project is fully funded and home students, and EU students with settled status, are eligible to apply. The successful candidate will receive an annual tax-free stipend set at the UKRI rate (£20,780 for 2025/26) and tuition fees will be paid. We expect the stipend to increase each year. The start date is October 2026.

We recommend that you apply early as the advert may be removed before the deadline.

AWE Nuclear Security Technologies

For 75 years, AWE has proudly played a role of critical national importance: helping deliver the UK’s nuclear deterrent. We are at the forefront of science, technology and innovation, protecting the UK and NATO allies from the most extreme threats to national security. AWE has pioneered advancements in areas including physics, engineering, materials science, and high-performance computing. Together we’ve helped shape the UK’s technological landscape, driving innovation that extends well beyond defence.

Before you apply

We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisors for this project before you apply. Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project.

How to apply

Apply online through our website: https://uom.link/pgr-apply-2425

When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your supervisor, if you already having funding or if you wish to be considered for available funding through the university, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees.

Your application will not be processed without all of the required documents submitted at the time of application, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

After you have applied you will be asked to upload the following supporting documents:

• Final Transcript and certificates of all awarded university level qualifications
• Interim Transcript of any university level qualifications in progress
• CV
• Supporting statement: A one or two page statement outlining your motivation to pursue postgraduate research and why you want to undertake postgraduate research at Manchester, any relevant research or work experience, the key findings of your previous research experience, and techniques and skills you’ve developed. (This is mandatory for all applicants and the application will be put on hold without it).
• Contact details for two referees (please make sure that the contact email you provide is an official university/work email address as we may need to verify the reference)
• English Language certificate (if applicable)

If you have any questions about making an application, please contact our admissions team by emailing FSE.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk.