Ultrasonic detection and monitoring of challenging defects in composite pipes

About the Project

Supervisory Team: Michal Kalkowski and Prof Michele Meo

Pipelines are the gold standard of long-range resource transport. Their integrity is paramount to the health of the environment, while remote automated monitoring with minimal intervention is essential for sustainability. Sound is the most powerful sensing modality, which has found numerous applications in non-destructive evaluation.

This project addresses small, challenging defects in composite pipes that are not detectable using currently available approaches. This research will develop practical, field-applicable local imaging and long-range monitoring solutions.

You will address the challenge of delamination/debonding in cylindrical composite structures. By combining theoretical work with practical measurements, you will develop a deep understanding of wave interactions in composite materials.

You will use advanced state-of-the-art modelling methods, including both semi-analytical approaches and comprehensive high-fidelity numerical simulations. This capability will be instrumental in developing new imaging and sensing techniques, which are vital for detecting complex flaws in composite pipes - the main aim of the project.

Your research will cover various pipe environments and evaluate the effectiveness of various sensing technologies. You will join the Institute of Sound and Vibration Research, a vibrant and diverse research community passionate about sound, ultrasound, vibration, and sensing across all industrial sectors.

You will benefit from excellent research facilities and the multidisciplinary environment. The project will be enhanced by our network of industrial collaborators and the UK non-destructive testing community (Research Centre for Non-Destructive Evaluation).

Entry requirements

You must have a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent.

We are looking for candidates with backgrounds in engineering, applied mathematics, applied physics, or computer science. The project requires using Python and its scientific computing modules, so knowledge of these is beneficial.

Willingness to combine experimental work with computation, including high-performance computing, is essential.

Fees and funding

Full scholarships include tuition fees, a tax-free stipend at the UKRI rate for up to 3.5 years (totalling £20,780 for 2025/26, rising annually). UK, EU and Horizon Europe students are eligible for scholarships. Chinese Scholarship Council-funded students are eligible for fee waivers.

Funding for other international applicants is very limited and highly competitive. Overseas students who have secured or are seeking external funding are welcome to apply.

How to apply

Apply now

• 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)