Novel Design for Sodium Battery - Modelling and Experimental Validation

About the Project

Improving the sustainability of energy storage materials is becoming an increasingly important aspect in recent years. Sodium-ion batteries are a promising alternative to Lithium, that could reduce the reliance on rare earth elements. This project aims at numerical and experimental investigation of a novel sodium battery design. Simulations and experimental validation will be carried out to validate new functionality of the battery.

Academic qualifications

First degree (minimum 2:1 classification) in Numerical Analysis – CFD, or Material Science

Subject knowledge

• Heat Transfer
• Numerical analysis
• Material characterisation

English language requirement

IELTS score must be at least 6.5 (with not less than 6.0 in each of the four components). Other, equivalent qualifications will be accepted. Full details of the University’s policy are available online.

Essential attributes:

• Experience in CFD analysis

Desirable attributes:

• CFD with chemical reactions
• Multi-physics simulations
• Material characterisation

APPLICATION CHECKLIST

• Completed application form
• CV
• 2 academic references, using the Postgraduate Educational Reference Form (download)
• Research project outline of 2 pages (list of references excluded). The outline may provide details about
  1. Background and motivation of the project. The motivation, explaining the importance of the project, should be supported also by relevant literature. You can also discuss the applications you expect for the project results.
  2. Research questions or objectives.
  3. Methodology: types of data to be used, approach to data collection, and data analysis methods.
  4. List of references.
• The outline must be created solely by the applicant. Supervisors can only offer general discussions about the project idea without providing any additional support.
• Statement no longer than 1 page describing your motivations and fit with the project.
• Evidence of proficiency in English (if appropriate)

To be considered, the application must use

• the advertised title as project title

For informal enquiries about this PhD project, please contact f.kahwash@napier.ac.uk

PhD Start Date: October 2026

Funding Notes

International applicants should note that visa application costs and the NHS health surcharge are additional costs to be taken into consideration, and successful applicants will need to cover these expenses themselves.