Advanced Composites

The use of composites offers many benefits to the functionality of both materials and structures, making them integral to many engineering design considerations, including cost, sustainability, fuel efficiency, emissions reduction, and improved operational performance. As such, composites are replacing traditional materials for lightweight structures at an unprecedented rate due to global demand (for example in the aircraft, wind turbine, construction and automotive industries). The sector growth is expected to be rapid, in the region of 5 to 10% each year. With the already encroaching effects of climate change, composite materials and structures have an important role to play in contributing to reductions in CO2 emissions and the growing need for a more sustainable future.

The PhD in Advanced Composites is a four-year postgraduate research programme, which integrates an industry relevant research project with a taught programme in technical subjects related to composites materials, design, mechanics and manufacturing, as well as business skills and transferable skills training.

The PhD programme is run by the Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Innovation for Sustainable Composites Engineering. The CDT is led by Bristol Composites Institute and the Composites Research Group at the University of Nottingham. Our PhD students benefit from the use of cutting-edge equipment and expertise at the universities and at the National Composites Centre, which provides a world-class facility to bridge the gap between research and industrial application. A highly skilled workforce and technical leadership are required to support industry. Our programme promotes the development of a radical and innovative mindset that is necessary to make composite materials and structures one of the key enablers in a sustainable future.

The CDT aims to provide the UK composites sector with PhD graduates equipped with the advanced technical and leadership skills required for effective adoption of new knowledge and technologies in advanced composites. The relevant industry areas include aerospace, automotive, marine, wind energy and construction. An integrated transferable skills training programme is also included, covering communication, career development, innovation, management, and translational research skills. We have produced an exciting integrated programme enabling graduates to become leaders in sustainable composites engineering.