Civil Engineering: Fully funded STFC and Swansea University PhD in the Multi-physics modelling of laser shock peening: bridging microscopic to macroscopic scales (RS763)

Funding provider: Ada Lovelace Centre – STFC and Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University 

Subject areas: Laser shock peening, computational Mechanics, finite elements, material modelling, molecular dynamics 

Project start date: 1 October 2025 (Enrolment open from mid-September) 

Supervisors: Professor Wulf G. Dettmer (Swansea University, first supervisor), Professor Djordje Perić (Swansea University, second supervisor), Dr Wendi Liu (STFC), Professor David Emerson (STFC) 

Aligned programme of study: PhD in Civil Engineering 

For 18 months, the student will be based at the STFC ’s Scientific Computing Department, Daresbury Laboratory, in Cheshire. For the remainder of the time, the student will be based at Swansea University. 

Mode of study: Full-time or Part-time

Project description: 

In the process of laser shock peening (LSP), metallic structural components are hit by a controlled laser. The sudden vaporisation of material at the structural surface creates large magnitude pressure shock waves which induce compressive residual stresses in the structure, thereby improving the surface hardness and the resistance to fatigue cracking and to corrosion. LSP is more effective than traditional shot peening and is important for applications in the construction, aerospace and automotive industries. Other applications include the forming of thin components or the breaking up of hard materials. The computer modelling of LSP remains challenging due to its multi-physics and multi-scale nature. The dependency of the process on the shape of the laser pulse, its energy, ablation layers etc. is not sufficiently understood. This involves complex physics at the interface of plasma physics, shock physics, material science and thermodynamics.

The objective of this project is the computational modelling of laser shock peening. Molecular Dynamics (MD) and Finite Element (FE) simulations will be combined to account for the complex physical phenomena and their different scales. The interdependence of physical conditions (pressure, pulse time, temperature) will be investigated, allowing for the design of efficient shockwaves. Essential multi-physics software tools will be developed. The project is a collaboration between Swansea University and the STFC (Scientific Computing Department + Central Laser Facility). 

The scholarship is open to UK fee-eligible applicants. 

The candidate must hold an undergraduate or Masters degree in Civil or Mechanical Engineering, in Mathematics or in Physics. The candidate must have a background and a keen interest in computational modelling and should be familiar with the finite element method.

Programming skills and experience with C++, Python and/or Matlab are desirable. A background in the physics of Laser Shock Peening is beneficial but not conditional.  

English Language Requirements: If applicable – IELTS 6.5 overall (with at least 5.5 in each individual component) or Swansea recognised equivalent. Details on the Swansea University English Language entry policy can be found here. 

This scholarship covers the full cost of UK tuition fees and an annual stipend of £19,237.

Additional research expenses of up to £2,000 per year will also be available.

To apply, please complete your application online with the following information: 

1. Course choice – please select as per preferred mode of study: 

          Civil Engineering / PhD / Full-time / 3 Years / October 

In the event you have already applied for the above programme previously, the application system may issue a warning notice and prevent application, in this event, please email pgrscholarships@swansea.ac.uk where staff will be happy to assist you in submitting your application. 

        2. Start year – please select 2025 

        3. Funding (page 8 on the application process) – ‘Are you funding your studies yourself?’ – please select No. ‘Name of Individual or organisation providing funds for study’ – please enter ‘RS763 - Macroscopic Scales’ 

*It is the responsibility of the applicant to list the above information accurately when applying, please note that applications received without the above information listed will not be considered for the scholarship award. 

One application is required per individual Swansea University-led research scholarship award; applications cannot be considered listing multiple Swansea University-led research scholarship awards. 

NOTE: Applicants for PhD/EngD/ProfD/EdD - to support our commitment to providing an environment free of discrimination and celebrating diversity at Swansea University you are required to complete an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Monitoring Form in addition to your programme application form.   

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Monitoring Form (online form)  

Please note that completion of the EDI Monitoring Form is mandatory; your application may not progress if this information is not submitted.

• CV 

• Degree certificates and transcripts  

• A cover letter  

• One reference 

• Evidence of meeting English Language requirement (if applicable) 

• Copy of UK resident visa (if applicable) 

• Confirmation of submission of EDI Form 

*For ALL scholarship applications from February 2023 an EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) Monitoring Form is required. 

Informal enquiries are welcome; please contact Professor Wulf G. Dettmer w.g.dettmer@swansea.ac.uk 

*External Partner Application Data Sharing – Please note that as part of the scholarship application selection process, application data sharing may occur with external partners outside of the University, when joint/co-funding of a scholarship project is applicable.