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