Digital twins for augmented vibration testing and qualification of defence systems

About the project

This project will develop physics-informed digital twins that augment vibration qualification testing of defence systems. By combining models and measurements, the project will predict unmeasured responses, extend test evidence to new conditions, account for ageing and uncertainty, and reduce physical testing while maintaining confidence in certification, qualification and reliability assessments.

This project will develop physics-informed digital twins that work alongside physical vibration tests, enabling defence systems to be certified and qualified with fewer tests and with evidence whose reliability is understood.

Before a mechanical system enters military service, evidence must show that it will perform safely and reliably throughout its life. For dynamic loads, this comes from qualification testing against vibration and shock profiles representing expected environments. Physical testing cannot cover every environment, configuration and ageing state an asset will meet. Laboratory tests also differ from service conditions. Many critical parts sit inside sealed assemblies where sensors cannot be fitted, so their response is never measured directly.

In this project you'll build digital twins of a test article and its test setup, combining finite element and reduced-order models with measured data. You'll:

You'll gain skills in structural dynamics and uncertainty quantification that are in demand across the defence, aerospace and nuclear sectors. You'll also benefit from inclusion in the 'Ministry of Defence and Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council Centre for Doctoral Training in Complex Integrated Systems for Defence and Security' (MOD/EPSRC CISDnS CDT), which offers opportunities for interdisciplinary working, collaboration and networking with defence partners.

• model the coupled shaker, fixture, controller and test article to plan multi-axis tests and predict where they depart from service conditions
• extend test results to untested configurations and environments
• estimate responses of inaccessible internal parts from external measurements using state estimation
• quantify uncertainty in each prediction and develop criteria to compare the trustworthiness of twin-based evidence with traditional qualification approaches
• validate the methods on laboratory structures

Dr Sjoerd Van Ophem PhD

• Vibro-acoustic analysis
• Model order reduction
• Digital twins

Dr Michal Kalkowski PhD

• Non-destructive testing
• Material characterisation and imaging with ultrasound
• Guided waves

Entry requirements

You must have an undergraduate degree (at least UK 2:1 honours degree), or its international equivalent , in one of the following:

Interest in combining modelling with experiments is essential.

Programming experience in Python or Matlab is desirable.

• mechanical or aerospace engineering
• physics
• mathematics
• a related discipline

Fees and funding

For candidates looking to complete a PhD or EngD full-time we offer an enhanced tax-free stipend of up to £30k per year, along with a substantial budget for research, travel, and centre activities.

CISDnS is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusivity. 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 or are transitioning into a new role. 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.

How to apply

Apply now

Please apply via the online portal and select:

Applications should include:

• Academic year: 2027/28
• If you will be full time or part time
• Faculty: Engineering and Physical Sciences
• Search for "complex integrated systems"
• Select either PhD or EngD – if you are unsure, select PhD
• Add the name of the supervisor in section 2 of the application.
• your CV (resumé)
• 2 academic references
• degree transcripts and certificates to date

Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences

For questions about applying, email our Doctoral College (doctoralcollege-admissions@soton.ac.uk) .

Project leader

For an initial conversation, email Dr Sjoerd Van Ophem (S.Van-Ophem@soton.ac.uk) .

Research areas