Digital Twinning of Fibre Reinforced Composites

Key facts

This PhD project aims to develop an advanced digital twin for predicting the strength and fatigue life of fibre-reinforced composites. Fibre-reinforced composites are increasingly used in various industry sectors, such as aerospace, automotive, medical devices, and energy. This PhD project will be conducted within a newly established composites lab affiliated with the world-class Institute of Design, Robotics and Manufacturing (iDRaM) at the School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Leeds.

The project presents a distinctive opportunity for the successful candidate to specialise in composites and digital modelling. In addition to collaborating with researchers within the Institute, School, and University, the PhD student will have ample opportunities to interact with our industry partners, enhancing the real-world applicability of their research findings. The student is expected to publish high-quality papers in high-profile international peer-reviewed journals and disseminate research outcomes at national and international conferences, workshops, and seminars.

Fiber-reinforced composites are increasingly used across various engineering sectors as they are strong and lightweight, e.g. aerospace, automotive, renewable energy and sport. Numerous modern engineering products prominently feature composites, including A350 and Boeing 787 aircrafts, the new generation of Rolls-Royce and General Electric aero engine fan blades, and long-span wind turbine blades manufactured by Siemens and Vestas. Additionally, composites are increasingly utilised in electric vehicles to increase power density.

Traditionally, design of a composite structure heavily replies on experiments conducted. It is an expensive process in terms of both cost and time, particularly for large-dimension structures. Creating a digital representation of composite structures can significantly accelerate the design process while saving cost. Therefore, this PhD project aims to creating an accurate and efficient digital tool that can be used for predicting the strength and fatigue life of composite structures. This digital tool can also be used for the design and optimisation of a composite structure.

References

B Zhang, H Ali, G Allegri, S.R. Hallett, An experimental and numerical investigation into tensile fatigue failure of composite laminates containing wrinkles and cut plies. International Journal of Fatigue,

Volume 198 (2025), 109026, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijfatigue.2025.109026

B. Zhang, G. Allegri, S.R. Hallett, Embedding artificial neural networks into twin cohesive zone models for composites fatigue delamination prediction under various stress ratios and mode mixities, Int. J. Solids Struct. 236–237 (2022) 111311. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijsolstr.2021.111311.

B. Zhang, L.F. Kawashita, M.I. Jones, J.K. Lander, S.R. Hallett, An experimental and numerical investigation into damage mechanisms in tapered laminates under tensile loading, Compos. Part A Appl. Sci. Manuf. 133 (2020) 105862. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesa.2020.105862.

B. Zhang, L.F. Kawashita, S.R. Hallett, Composites fatigue delamination prediction using double load envelopes and twin cohesive models, Compos. Part A Appl. Sci. Manuf. 129 (2020) 105711. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesa.2019.105711.

B. Zhang, X.C. Sun, M.J. Eaton, R. Marks, A. Clarke, C.A. Featherston, L.F. Kawashita, S.R. Hallett, An integrated numerical model for investigating guided waves in impact–damaged composite laminates, Compos. Struct. 176 (2017) 945–960. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compstruct.2017.06.034.

To apply for this project you will need to make a formal application for research degree study through the University website. You will need to create a login ID with a username and PIN.

• For Application type please select Research Degrees – Research Postgraduate.

• The admission year for this project is 2027/28 Academic Year.

• You will need to select your Planned Course of Study from a drop-down menu. For this project, scroll down and select PHP Mechanical Engineering Full Time.

• The project start date for this project is 1 October 2027, please use this as your Proposed Start Date of Research.

• Please state clearly in the Research Information Section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is Digital Twinning of Fibre Reinforced Composites as well as Dr Bing Zhang and Professor David Barton as your proposed supervisors.

Please state clearly in the Finance section, the funding that you are applying for, if you are self-funding or externally sponsored.

More information on how to apply is available on our website here. You will be required to provide a personal statement which outlines your interest in the project you are applying for, why you have chosen it and how your skills map onto the requirements of the project.

We will assess applications continuously as we receive them. We welcome and strongly encourage any potential applicants to contact the supervisor(s) for an informal discussion, prior to applying, and recommend submitting your application early.

If you are applying with external sponsorship or you are funding your own study, please ensure you provide your supporting documents at the point you submit your application:

Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date including the grading scheme

Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project

If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).

As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

This is a non funded PhD project. Applicants are expected to be self funded or to secure external funding.

You can find out more about our Funding Opportunities on our Postgraduate Research Opportunities website.

Important: Please note that all costs associated with your arrival at Leeds (visa, Immigration Health Surcharge, flights etc) would have to be met by yourself, or you will need to find an alternative funding source.

For further information about this project, please contact Dr Bing Zhang by email to B.Zhang2@leeds.ac.uk

For further information about you application including how to apply, please contact PGR Admissions by email to phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk

• Type of research degree: PhD
• Application deadline: Monday 31 May 2027
• Project start date: Friday 1 October 2027
• Country eligibility: International (open to all nationalities, including the UK)
• Funding: Non-funded
• Supervisors: Dr Bing Zhang
• Additional supervisors: Professor David Barton
• Schools: School of Mechanical Engineering
• Research groups/institutes: Institute of Design, Robotics and Optimisation

Research areas