A study of rolling contact fatigue in electric vehicles (EVs)

About the project

This PhD project investigates how electrical currents damage rolling-element bearings in electric vehicles (EVs), reducing fatigue life and EV reliability. Using twin-roller tribological tests, metallography and picoscope capturing high frequency charging-discharging signals, it will identify failure mechanisms and evaluate material and lubricant solutions, supporting longer-lasting, sustainable electrified transport systems and machinery.

This PhD will address a critical reliability challenge in electric vehicles (EVs): how electrical currents passing through rolling-element bearings accelerate surface damage and shorten rolling contact fatigue life. The problem also affects electrified trains, aircraft and other high-speed rotating machinery.

Electrification exposes bearings to higher rotational speeds and stray currents not normally encountered in conventional internal-combustion-engine drivetrains. Even relatively low currents can produce electrical pitting, disrupt lubrication and initiate premature fatigue. These failures threaten vehicle durability, increase maintenance and material demand, and could hinder progress towards reliable, sustainable, zero-emission transport.

The project will determine how current amplitude and frequency influence bearing damage and fatigue life, identify the underlying charging, discharging and microstructural failure mechanisms, and establish how electrical effects interact with contact mechanics and lubrication. The intended outcome is a mechanistic evidence base for designing more durable bearings and predictive monitoring strategies.

You will conduct controlled rolling-contact experiments on bearing steels using a twin-roller tribometer, with electrical currents applied across a range of amplitudes and frequencies. Post-test metallography will reveal surface and subsurface damage, while electrostatic sensing offers a standout capability for monitoring charge–discharge events in real time. Candidate materials and lubricants with different electrical properties will be evaluated to mitigate damage and extend component life.

You will join the University of Southampton’s national Centre for Advanced Tribology at Southampton (nCATS) and Energy Technology research group , with access to specialist tribology, materials-characterisation and sensing facilities. Initial and continuing training will cover experimental testing, metallography, sensing, data analysis and research practice, supported by interdisciplinary supervision throughout the PhD.

The School of Engineering is committed to promoting equality, diversity inclusivity as demonstrated by our Athena SWAN award. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking flexible working patterns and those who have taken a career break. The University has a generous maternity policy, onsite childcare facilities, and offers a range of benefits to help ensure employees’ well-being and work-life balance. The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.

Potential supervisors

• Potential supervisors: Lead supervisor Professor Ling Wang PhD, CEng, FInstNDT, FHEA Professor of Tribo-Sensing

Lead supervisor

• Lead supervisor: Professor Ling Wang PhD, CEng, FInstNDT, FHEA Professor of Tribo-Sensing

Professor Ling Wang PhD, CEng, FInstNDT, FHEA

• Professor Ling Wang PhD, CEng, FInstNDT, FHEA: Professor of Tribo-Sensing

Entry requirements

You must have a UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent .

Fees and funding

We offer a range of funding opportunities for both UK and international students. Horizon Europe fee waivers automatically cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for qualifying students.

Competition-based Presidential Bursaries from the University cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for top-ranked applicants.

Competition-based studentships offered by our schools typically cover UK-level tuition fees and a stipend for living costs for top-ranked applicants.

Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis, so apply early for the best opportunity to be considered.

For more information, please visit our postgraduate research funding pages.

How to apply

Apply now

You need to:

Applications should include:

• choose programme type (Research), 2027/28, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
• select Full time or Part time
• choose the relevant PhD Engineering & the Environment (7175)
• add name of the supervisor in section 2
• your CV (resumé)
• 2 academic references
• degree transcripts to date
• English language qualification (if applicable)

Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences

If you have a general question, email our Doctoral College (doctoralcollege-admissions@soton.ac.uk).

Project leader

For an initial conversation, email Professor Ling Wang (ling.wang@soton.ac.uk).

Research areas