Tyre Particulate Emissions Measurement and Prediction (Ref: AAE-JK-2513)

About the Project

Tyres are a leading source of microplastics globally, as well as a primary contributor to cars' particulate matter emissions. Minimising the impacts of future tyre emissions requires new knowledge about factors that influence tyre emissions, and how these can be balanced with safety factors such as tyre grip. Unfortunately, studying tyre emissions is particularly challenging because tyre forces and emissions vary with road surface roughness, yet engineers lack suitable methods to use results obtained on one surface to predict those produced by another. Furthermore, laboratory-based tyre testing requires artificially changing the surface to prevent unrealistic build-up of tread rubber on the surface, which in turn influences the emissions produced.

Working as part of Loughborough University's tyre and vehicle dynamics research team, this PhD project will make use of Loughborough's world-leading facilities to develop new fundamental knowledge about the role of the road surface in generating tyre emissions. The successful candidate will conduct experiments with the group's tyre test trailer, a UK-unique test facility that provides control of the orientation and loading of a tyre whilst it is towed across real road surfaces. Building on the team's state-of-the-art methods for road surface characterisation, the project will link key surface characteristics with the emissions generated. Current state-of-the-art computer simulation approaches for tyre emissions prediction will be implemented, and developed to better represent the role of the road surface.

The successful candidate will possess keen analytical skills alongside the ability to develop and conduct engineering experiments. An ability to apply computing skills in Matlab, Python or similar, to answer scientific questions (e.g., process data, solve mathematical models) is essential. Based in the department of Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering, the candidate will work alongside other researchers studying related topics including tyre friction and tyre wear. Ongoing network activities, such as TyPE micro-network and NEXUS, may provide an outstanding candidate with opportunities to work alongside researchers at other institutions tackling questions around the health and environmental impacts that arise from tyre emissions.

Name of primary supervisor/CDT lead:

Dr James Knowles j.a.c.knowles@lboro.ac.uk
+441509227223
https://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/aae/people/james-knowles/

Name of secondary supervisor:

Prof Georgios Mavros
https://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/aae/people/georgios-mavros/

Entry requirements:

Students should have, or expect to receive, a degree in engineering or a related discipline at a minimum of a 2:1

English language requirements:

Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website (http://www.lboro.ac.uk/international/applicants/english/).

Bench fees required: No

Closing date of advert: 1st October 2026

Start date: April 2026, July 2026, October 2026

Full-time/part-time availability: Full-time 3 years

Fee band: 2025/26 Band RB (UK £5,006, International £28,600)

How To Apply:

• Stage 1: You are strongly advised to contact Dr James Knowles, in the first instance on J.A.C.Knowles@lboro.ac.uk with a CV, academic transcripts, a reference letter, and confirmation of funding source. Informal discussions are also welcome.
• Stage 2: Following discussion with Dr James Knowles, applicants will be invited to make a formal application online. Under programme name, select ‘Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering’ and quote the advert reference number 'AAE-JK-2513' in your application.