PhD Studentship: Ageing of stowable polymer composites for space applications

Deployable spacecraft structures, such as extendible masts and antennas, unfolding panels, and even inflatables are an integral part of a spacecraft structures engineer’s toolkit for getting around the tight volume constraints posed by the typically very restricted space available inside a launch vehicle. In general, the fewer moving parts such a structure has, the more reliable it will be. Materials such as carbon fibre composites that are thin enough to be folded or rolled up for storage, but still stiff enough to act as structural members when deployed make a good basis for a deployable structure.

The two main aims of this project are to develop novel designs and manufacturing methods for foldable composite structures, and to examine and model the ‘ageing’ effects that take place during long-term storage for space modules that may then be subjected to the space and de-orbit environment. Key tasks will be exploring appropriate origami folding patterns, as well as manufacturing approaches such as selecting curing or ‘dual-resin’ systems to build the fold lines into the structure.

The PhD is within a Centre of Excellence sponsored by a defence industrial partner, therefore within community of Postgraduate researchers working on a diverse array of topics. The successful candidate will be located on campus at the University of Surrey for the majority of their degree. We are looking for a candidate with a keen interest in spacecraft structures and materials. Experience with design or fabrication of fibre reinforced composites would be an advantage.

Please contact Dr Andrew Viquerat (a.viquerat@surrey.ac.uk) with any questions.

Supervisors: Dr Andrew Viquerat

Entry requirements

Open to UK nationals only. Starting in January 2026. Later dates are possible, please contact Dr Andrew Viquerat once the deadline passes.

You will need to meet the minimum entry requirements for our PhD programme.

How to apply

Applications should be submitted via the Engineering Materials PhD programme page.

In place of a research proposal, you should upload a document stating the title of the project that you wish to apply for and the name of the relevant supervisor.

Funding

Fully and directly funded for this project only for 3.5 years.

This funding offer covers tuition fees at the UK resident rate and provides a stipend of £22,000 p.a. for 2025/26 academic year.

Application deadline

15 September 2025

Enquiries

Contact Dr Andrew Viquerat

Ref

PGR-2526-004