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Long-term durability of polymeric composites in offshore wind energy applications: An integrated experimental and numerical study

Durham University Offshore Wind CDT
✓ Fully Funded 🎓 Aerospace Engineering 🎓 Applied Mathematics 🎓 Civil Engineering 🎓 Marine Engineering 🎓 Mechanical Engineering 🎓 Mechanics 🎓 Solid Mechanics 🎓 Structural Engineering 🎓 Structural Mechanics finite element modelling offshore wind accelerated ageing experimental characterisation fibre-reinforced composites hygrothermal loading impact testing multi-scale simulation polymeric composites structural durability

This fully-funded PhD focuses on the long-term durability of fibre-reinforced polymer composites (FRPCs) in offshore wind turbine applications, combining experimental and computational approaches to predict degradation under coupled mechanical, thermal, and moisture loads.

Project Description

Offshore wind turbine components experience harsh conditions, including combined mechanical, thermal, and moisture loads, which can degrade fibre-reinforced polymer composites over time. Understanding and predicting this degradation is crucial for design, maintenance, and sustainability. This PhD will: Develop an integrated experimental and computational framework to assess long-term structural performance Use multi-scale, multi-physics finite element modelling to simulate micro- and meso-scale composite behaviour Conduct accelerated ageing experiments to characterise mechanical property evolution Investigate static and low-velocity impact effects on aged and unaged composites Validate computational models with experimental data to predict damage evolution and failure mechanisms Candidates will gain expertise in computational mechanics, composite materials, and experimental characterisation, with research outcomes directly relevant to offshore wind energy design and industrial applications.

Entry Requirements

First-class Honours degree, 2:1 plus Masters, or Masters with Distinction in Engineering, Physics, or Mathematics
English proficiency: IELTS 7.0 overall (min 6.0 in each skill)
Open to international applicants
Guaranteed interview scheme for eligible home students from underrepresented ethnic backgrounds

How to Apply

Applications submitted to Durham University via the Offshore Wind CDT website. Rolling application for September 2026 entry; early submission encouraged.

Eligibility

UK/Home
EU
International

Supervisor Profile

DZ
Dr Zahur Ullah, Dr Stefan Szyniszewski
Durham University, Offshore Wind CDT

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