Dr Felix Langfeldt
Thursday, December 31, 2026
Competition Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
About the Project
Supervisory team: Dr Felix Langfeldt
This project explores acoustic metamaterials that combine effective noise control with more sustainable manufacturing materials. Through modelling, optimisation and experimental testing, it investigates how manufacturing materials influence acoustic performance, durability and environmental impact, developing design approaches that support the transition to net zero emissions.
Low-frequency noise is difficult to block using conventional treatments. Acoustic metamaterials offer an alternative: engineered structures that manipulate sound through their geometry and resonances. However, switching to greener materials can disrupt their acoustic performance. The challenge is to redesign these structures so that environmental benefits do not come at the expense of effective sound insulation.
You'll combine computer modelling, multi-objective optimisation and laboratory experiments to investigate how material choices influence acoustic performance, durability and environmental impact. You'll develop and test designs that tackle noise across a broad frequency range, identifying trade-offs and opportunities for more sustainable noise treatments.
You'll have access to the University of Southampton’s world-class research facilities, including anechoic and reverberation chambers, specialist impedance tubes, high-performance computing and advanced manufacturing capabilities. These resources will support your journey from numerical simulations and design optimisation to prototype manufacture and experimental validation.
The intended outcomes include validated metamaterial designs and evidence-based guidance for selecting materials for sustainable noise control, with potential applications in transport, buildings and low-carbon technologies such as heat pumps.
You will receive training in computational acoustics, numerical modelling, design optimisation and experimental acoustic testing, alongside prototype development and sustainability assessment. This project will also develop your transferable skills in research planning, data analysis, scientific writing and presenting your findings to academic and industry audiences. This is an opportunity to connect fundamental discoveries with practical engineering solutions, helping shape noise control technologies for a quieter, more sustainable future.
The School of Engineering is committed to promoting equality, diversity inclusivity as demonstrated by our Athena SWAN award. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking flexible working patterns and those who have taken a career break. The University has a generous maternity policy, onsite childcare facilities, and offers a range of benefits to help ensure employees’ well-being and work-life balance. The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.
Entry requirements
You must have a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in one of the following:
- acoustics
- mechanical engineering
- physics
- or similar
Desirable skills:
- some basic knowledge in acoustic metamaterials, noise control, and sustainable materials
Fees and funding
We offer a range of funding opportunities for both UK and international students. Horizon Europe fee waivers automatically cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for qualifying students.
Competition-based Presidential Bursaries from the University cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for top-ranked applicants.
Competition-based studentships offered by our schools typically cover UK-level tuition fees and a stipend for living costs for top-ranked applicants.
Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis, so apply early for the best opportunity to be considered.
For more information, please visit our postgraduate research funding pages.
How to apply
Apply now
You need to:
- choose programme type (Research), 2027/28, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
- select Full time or Part time
- search for programme PhD Engineering & the Environment (7175)
- add name of the supervisor in section 2 of the application
Applications should include:
- your CV (resumé)
- 2 academic references
- degree transcripts and certificates to date
- English language qualification (if applicable)
Contact us
Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
For questions about applying, [contact details available in the full listing].
Project leader
For an initial conversation, [contact details available in the full listing].
