PhD Studentship in Computer Science (University of Nottingham)

School/Faculty: Engineering Location: University of Nottingham Reference: ENG292 Closing Date: Tuesday 24 February 2026 Duration: 3.5 years Funding: Fully funded (tuition and UKRI stipend) Project Overview Are abrasive grains truly “indestructible”? This project, conducted in a leading experimental lab, will challenge conventional understanding of soil-structure interaction (SSI). It investigates how changing particle shape during continuous shearing affects material wear and stress transfer, with applications in: Wind turbine foundations Underground pipelines Pharmaceutical manufacturing Other granular material engineering challenges Although sand is one of the most ubiquitous engineering materials, the mechanics of sand-structure interaction under shear remain poorly understood. This project welcomes applicants with backgrounds in mechanical/materials engineering, mathematics, computer science (numerical modelling), or civil engineering with a focus on soil mechanics/geotechnics. Skills You’ll Gain Under supervision, you will develop: Expertise in experimental modelling challenges and solutions Advanced programming, data analysis, and simulation skills Ability to communicate complex research effectively Opportunities for lab demonstration and teaching experience Confidence in tackling open-ended research problems Desirable Skills (not required) Python programming for data analysis Understanding of granular mechanics (geotechnics) Numerical modelling Eligibility Available for UK nationals, with exceptional international applicants considered Fully funded 3.5-year studentship including a tax-free UKRI stipend of ~£20,780 Tuition fees included How to Apply For further information, contact the supervisor via email with the subject line: “Interface Micromechanics PhD”. If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Academicoxy

School/Faculty: Engineering
Location: University of Nottingham
Reference: ENG292
Closing Date: Tuesday 24 February 2026
Duration: 3.5 years
Funding: Fully funded (tuition and UKRI stipend)

Project Overview

Are abrasive grains truly “indestructible”? This project, conducted in a leading experimental lab, will challenge conventional understanding of soil-structure interaction (SSI). It investigates how changing particle shape during continuous shearing affects material wear and stress transfer, with applications in:

Wind turbine foundations
Underground pipelines
Pharmaceutical manufacturing
Other granular material engineering challenges

Although sand is one of the most ubiquitous engineering materials, the mechanics of sand-structure interaction under shear remain poorly understood. This project welcomes applicants with backgrounds in mechanical/materials engineering, mathematics, computer science (numerical modelling), or civil engineering with a focus on soil mechanics/geotechnics.

Skills You’ll Gain

Under supervision, you will develop:

Expertise in experimental modelling challenges and solutions
Advanced programming, data analysis, and simulation skills
Ability to communicate complex research effectively
Opportunities for lab demonstration and teaching experience
Confidence in tackling open-ended research problems

Desirable Skills (not required)

Python programming for data analysis
Understanding of granular mechanics (geotechnics)
Numerical modelling

Eligibility

Available for UK nationals, with exceptional international applicants considered
Fully funded 3.5-year studentship including a tax-free UKRI stipend of ~£20,780
Tuition fees included