Manufacturing of Advanced Non-Metallic Pipes for the Oil and Gas Industry

About the Project

Pipelines, traditionally constructed from steel, form the backbone of the oil and gas industry, facilitating crucial transportation in both onshore and offshore operations. Recent advancements in manufacturability and the distinctive properties of composites, notably carbon fibre composites, have propelled them into the spotlight as a compelling alternative.

At present, filament winding has been used as the major manufacturing technique for non-metallic pipelines for the Oil and Gas Industry. This project aims to explore other potential techniques as an alternative to filament winding. Also, at present, manufacturing of composite structures is associated with multiple challenges in areas such as joining composites, composite structures with bends, embedding sensors in composites, procedures for composite inspection and maintenance, and all of these are common to Oil and Gas Industry as well. Hence, this project aims to explore more in these areas to come up with potential improvements/solutions. The main focus will be on polymer matrix composites and related manufacturing techniques.

Entry requirements

Students with a First class/2.1 degree in Materials Science, Physics, Mathematics or an aligned Engineering subject are encouraged to apply. An MSc in a related filed would also be acceptable. Experience in composite manufacturing, processing monitoring and instrumentations, material characterization and programming languages and modelling would also be preferable. Also, an MSc and/or publications in a relevant field should also be useful.

Self-funded candidates can also be applied.

Funding

This is a 3.5-year PhD. Excellent candidates will be nominated for competence-based faculty funding (application deadline for faculty funding is 19th December 2025. If no suitable applications are received in December, a further round of applications will be considered for the deadline 13th March 2026).

For more information, visit our funding page or search our funding database for specific scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.

Self funded students are also welcome to apply. The start date for funded students is October 2026. The start date for self funded students is negotiable.

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

Before you apply

We strongly recommend that you contact the main supervisor for this project (Dr Abeykoon - chamil.abeykoon@manchester.ac.uk) 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

You will need to submit an online application through our website here: https://uom.link/pgr-apply

When you apply, 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
• You will be asked to supply contact details for two referees on the application form (please make sure that the contact email you provide is an official university/ work email address as we may need to verify the reference)
• 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.
• English Language certificate (if applicable). If you require an English qualification to study in the UK, you can apply now and send this in at a later date.

If you have any queries regarding making an application please contact our admissions team FSE.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk