[School of Natural Sciences PhD Scholarships] Materials optimisation for waves at non-normal incidence

About the project

About the Project Whilst being rather specific in its nature, the focus of this project can be adapted to suit the skills and interests of the appointed student. Standard approaches to understand how acoustic waves reflect from surfaces and materials considers a normal incidence of the wave field. The classical material impedance is defined in this way and materials are thus characterised in this manner. This makes matters tractable, but also rather restrictive. It obscures the rich structure of acoustics when waves are not normally incident on complex materials, which is the most common scenario in practice. Currently significant literature exists that focusses on (i) Materials optimization at normal incidence (ii) Fundamental theory associated with oblique incidence (iii) Metamaterial design at fixed angle of incidence This project aims to address the gap between these areas, working at general angles of incidence, whilst optimizing material properties for specific purposes. Work will begin with layered media, given their relative simplicity, although even in this scenario rich structures develop, depending on angle of incidence, as has been determined in recent work at Manchester. Later work will progress to more complex particulate materials. This project is expected to start in September 2027. Before you apply: We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisors for this project before you apply. How to apply: To be considered for this project you must complete a formal application through our online application portal. If you already have an applicant account this link will directly open an application for PhD School of Natural Sciences Scholarships . If you don’t already have an applicant account, please follow the instructions here . When applying, please specify the full title and supervisor/s of the project, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees. You must also upload a Supporting Statement describing your motivation to apply to the project, your CV and transcripts of awarded and in-progress university qualifications . Please note late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester and central to all our activities. A diverse research community strengthens creativity, productivity and quality, while increasing the societal and economic impact of our work. We welcome applicants from all career paths, backgrounds and sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation or transgender status. We welcome applications from candidates returning to study after a career break or experience in other roles. Flexible study arrangements may be available, including part-time study at 50%, 60% or 80%, subject to the requirements of the project and funder. Eligibility : The standard academic entry requirement for this PhD is an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree (or international equivalent) in Applied Mathematics, Physics, or related fields OR any upper-second class (2:1) honours degree and a Master’s degree at merit (or international equivalent) in Applied Mathematics, Physics, or related fields. This project will remain open until filled. If your application is submitted by 1st November 2026, you can expect a decision by 18th December 2026. If your application is submitted by 15th January 2027, you can expect a decision by 30th March 2027. Self or externally funded students can also be considered for this project. FSESoNS

Research areas