Long-term durability of polymeric composites in offshore wind energy applications: An integrated experimental and numerical study

About the Project

This PhD scholarship is offered by the EPSRC CDT in Offshore Wind Energy Sustainability and Resilience; a partnership between the Universities of Durham, Hull, Loughborough and Sheffield. The successful applicant will undertake six-month of training with the rest of the CDT cohort at the University of Hull before continuing their PhD research at Durham University.

Ensuring the long-term durability of fibre-reinforced polymer composites (FRPCs) under harsh offshore conditions is a critical challenge for the renewable energy sector, particularly for offshore wind turbine components. Exposure to combined mechanical, thermal, and moisture loads can lead to progressive degradation, reducing structural performance and service life. Current understanding of these coupled effects is limited, making it difficult to predict damage evolution and optimise composite design for reliability and sustainability.

This PhD project aims to develop an integrated experimental and finite element-based computational framework to assess the long-term structural performance of FRPCs. Using multi-scale and multi-physics finite element modelling, you will simulate the micro- and meso-scale behaviour of composites under coupled hygrothermal and mechanical loads, while accelerated ageing experiments will characterise the evolution of mechanical properties over time. The resulting experimental data will inform and validate computational models, enabling the prediction of degradation and failure mechanisms under realistic service conditions. The project will also explore the impact of static and low-velocity impact loads on aged and unaged composites.

Working within the Computational Mechanics Research Node at the Department of Engineering, Durham University, you will collaborate closely with other PhD students and postdoctoral researchers. The project combines advanced finite element modelling with hands-on experimental techniques, providing a unique opportunity to develop expertise across computational mechanics, composite materials, and experimental characterisation. The outcomes of this research will support the design of more durable, reliable, and efficient composite structures, helping to extend service life, reduce maintenance costs, and strengthen the UK’s position in offshore wind energy technology. You will contribute to high-impact research with direct industrial relevance, preparing you for careers in composite design, structural integrity assessment, and advanced materials R&D in the energy and engineering sectors.

Supervisors

1. Dr Zahur Ullah (Associate Professor in the Department of Engineering, Durham University)
2. Dr Stefan Szyniszewski (Assistant Professor, Department of Engineering, Durham University)

Training & Skills

You will benefit from a taught programme, giving you a broad understanding of the breadth and depth of current and emerging offshore wind sector needs. This begins with an intensive six-month programme at the University of Hull for the new student intake, drawing on the expertise and facilities of all four academic partners. It is supplemented by Continuing Professional Development (CPD), which is embedded throughout your 4-year research scholarship.

Depending on your background, tailored training will be provided in composite mechanics, finite element modelling, and experimental techniques.

Entry Requirements

If you have received a First-class Honours degree, or a 2:1 Honours degree and a Masters, or a Distinction at Masters level with any undergraduate degree (or the international equivalents) in Engineering, Physics or Mathematics and Statistics, we would like to hear from you.

If your first language is not English, or you require Tier 4 student visa to study, you will be required to provide evidence of your English language proficiency level that meets the requirements of the Aura CDT’s academic partners. This course requires academic IELTS 7.0 overall, with no less than 6.0 in each skill.

Guaranteed interview scheme

The CDT is committed to generating a diverse and inclusive training programme and is looking to attract applicants from all backgrounds. We offer a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for home fee status candidates who identify as Black or Black mixed or Asian or Asian mixed if they meet the programme entry requirements. This positive action is to support recruitment of these under-represented ethnic groups to our programme and is an opt in process. Find out more.

How to apply

Applications to the EPSRC CDT in Offshore Wind Energy Sustainability and Resilience are made to the University where the PhD project is based. You will find full instructions and links on the CDT website

Applications for September 2026 entry will be considered on a rolling basis and applicants are therefore strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Shortlisted candidates may be invited to interview as applications are received.

As offers may be made before all applications are reviewed, early application is strongly encouraged.

Funding Notes

The Offshore Wind CDT is funded by EPSRC, allowing us to provide scholarships for Home students that cover fees plus a stipend set at the UKRI nationally agreed rates, circa £20,798 per annum at 2025/26 rates (subject to progress).