Novel composite materials in non-ambient environmental conditions

About the Project

Supervisory Team: Dr Xun Wu

This PhD project explores the behaviour and design of advanced composite materials for use under extreme and non-ambient environmental conditions, particularly at cryogenic temperatures relevant to hydrogen storage. The research aims to develop new composite systems with enhanced toughness, reduced cracking, and improved durability and design margin, enabling safe, efficient, and sustainable hydrogen storage solutions for the clean-energy transition.

Composite materials hold tremendous promise for achieving a low-carbon and sustainable future. One key area to use composites is renewable energy storage. Hydrogen, in either compressed or liquified forms, has been identified as a key alternative fuel for future aerospace, automotive and maritime industries. The excellent mechanical properties and lightweight nature of composites make them highly attractive for hydrogen storage vessels. However, such applications demand materials capable of maintaining structural integrity and durability under extreme and non-ambient conditions. For instance, liquid hydrogen must be stored in cryogenic conditions (below –252 °C), where conventional composites tend to suffer from matrix cracking and brittleness, limiting their use in cryogenic environments.

The aim of this project is firstly to understand the underlying mechanisms governing the behaviour and failure of composite materials under non-ambient environmental conditions, particular at cryogenic temperature, through the development of both experimental and numerical methodologies. Based on the insight gained, you are expecting to design and develop composites with enhanced mechanical performance (reduced cracking, improved damage tolerance and design margins), through innovations such as introducing new material systems, interface modification and hybridisation strategies, for enabling safe, efficient, and sustainable hydrogen storage.

You will be based in the Maritime Engineering group within the Department of Civil, Maritime and Environmental Engineering (CMEE) and have access to the world-class experimental and computational facilities across the School of Engineering. The project may also involve collaboration with external partners, such as the University of Bristol and the National Composites Centre.

Training

As part of this PhD, you will receive training in the following areas:

• composites processing and manufacturing
• wide range of mechanical testing of materials under both room, elevated and cryogenic temperatures.
• material characterisation and failure analysis techniques
• multiscale modelling and data driven methods for material behaviour prediction
• access to the School of Engineering’s and university’s research training programmes and workshops
• opportunities to attend national and international conferences

Entry requirements

A first-class or upper second-class (2:1) honours degree (or international equivalent) in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, materials science, or a closely related discipline.

Fees and funding

We offer a range of funding opportunities for both UK and international students, including Bursaries and Scholarships. See our postgraduate funding pages for more information.

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.

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)