PhD Studentship: Multiphysics CFD for Laser Manufacturing

University of Nottingham - Mechanical and Aerospace Systems Research Group

UK candidates only

Join a fully funded, industry-sponsored PhD at the University of Nottingham in the Mechanical and Aerospace Systems research group in partnership with the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC). You will push the limits of multiphysics CFD for laser manufacturing by developing a next-generation simulation capability for laser drilling - with relevance to additive manufacturing. Your work will capture compressible gas dynamics, heat transfer, free-surface/melt behaviour, and mass transfer driven by phase change within a GPU-accelerated solver to reduce simulation turnaround times.

You will develop and validate new capabilities within XCALibre.jl, Nottingham’s GPU-accelerated, AI-ready CFD framework turning complex coupled physics into practical tools that engineers can use in real manufacturing workflows. Expect close collaboration with industrial experts and the opportunity to see your algorithms influence aerospace and other high-value manufacturing sectors.

Project aim

Deliver a highly customisable multiphysics CFD framework for laser drilling and integrate it into accelerated industrial workflows. You will:

• Extend XCALibre.jl with new (traditional and/or AI-enhanced) models for laser-material interaction, gas dynamics and phase change
• Implement GPU-efficient algorithms and meshing strategies for substantial speed-ups
• Validate against MTC laser drilling use-cases and representative configurations
• Package the outcome as a robust, modular, maintainable module/s within XCALibre.jl

Who we are looking for

An enthusiastic, self-motivated candidate with a 1st or high 2:1 in computer science, mechanical engineering, or aerospace engineering. You should have programming experience applied to physics/engineering problems and/or experience with machine learning and ML.

Funding and eligibility

This fully funded, three-year full-time studentship is available to UK nationals only. The successful applicant will receive a generous tax-free annual stipend of £25,000, full-time home tuition fees paid, and £2,000 per year for consumables and travel. Funding from the MTC requires passing their security checks before starting the PhD.

How to apply

For further information on this PhD position please email Dr Humberto Medina at Humberto.Medina@nottingham.ac.uk

• Closing date: 27th February 2026
• Proposed PhD start date: 5th October 2026

The University of Nottingham is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. Engineering postgraduate researchers benefit from a strong research community, tailored training - writing, networking, career development, and outstanding facilities with leading industrial partners.

The MTC is an independent UK Research and Technology Organisation accelerating disruptive manufacturing technologies.