Comp Mechanics & Engineering Simulation: Fully Funded PhD Studentship in A Finite Volume Arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian computational framework for high-speed multi-material impact (RS859)

Funding providers: UK Atomic Weapons Establishment (UKAWE) and Faculty of Science and Engineering at Swansea University 

Subject areas: Computational Mechanics & Engineering Simulation 

Project start date: 1 October 2025 (Enrolment open from mid-September) ** (Please see the note below regarding potential later start dates)

Supervisors: Prof Antonio J. Gil, Dr Chun Hean Lee and Dr Clare Wood 

Aligned programme of study: PhD in Civil Engineering 

Mode of study: Full-time 

Project description:  

Computational verification of high-speed multi-material flows, where physical experimentation is highly limited, is seen as critical by the Defence Sector (source: the UK Atomic Weapons Establishment). Recent work by the group (leading to REF 4* rated outputs and several Keynotes) has contributed to bridging the gap between Computational Solid and Fluid Dynamics, with a unified computational framework exploiting the use of physical and geometrical conservation laws in a variety of spatial discretisation schemes (i.e. Finite Element, Finite Volume, Meshless). The resulting conservation-type formulation, which displays striking similarities to that used by the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) community, has inspired the investigators to adopt conventional CFD algorithms in the novel context of Computational Solid Dynamics 

Building upon very recent work made by the supervisory team, this FULLY FUNDED 4-year PhD project will investigate challenging aspects such as: (1) exploration of a truly “n” multi-material capability with a suitable closure model; (2) improved strategy for interface tracking/capturing; (3) very high-speed scenarios with use of nonlinear Riemann-solvers. If time allows exploratory 3D development could be foreseen in Year 4. 

The recruited PhD candidate will become a member of an active research group working on the development and application of cutting-edge computational techniques for large strain solid dynamics, dynamic fracture/contact and computational multi-physics. 

Funding duration: 4 years  

Scholarship open to UK fee eligible applicants only

Due to funding restrictions, this scholarship is open to applicants eligible to pay tuition fees at the UK rate only, as defined by UKCISA regulations 

PhD: Applicants for PhD must hold an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level (or non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University) in Engineering or a similar relevant science discipline. See - Country Specific Postgraduate Entry Requirements. 

English Language 
IELTS 6.5 Overall (5.5+ each comp.) or Swansea University recognised equivalent. Full details of our English Language policy, including certificate time validity, can be found here. 

If you have any questions regarding your academic or fee eligibility based on the above, please email pgrscholarships@swansea.ac.uk with the web-link to the scholarship(s) you are interested in with the web-link to the scholarship(s) you are interested in. 

This scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees and an annual stipend at UKRI rate (currently £20,780 2025/26). 

Additional research expenses of up to £1,000 per year will also be available. 

To apply, please complete the entire application form:

In order to be considered for this scholarship award the following steps are also required. 

1) In section ‘Programme Related Information’ please input the relevant RS Code for the scholarship award i.e. RS859 

2) In section ‘Research’ you will see ‘Proposed project title/studentship title’* (Mandatory) 

• In ‘Proposed project title/studentship title’ please input:  

• the RS Code, RS859
• the scholarship title

• Please leave Proposed Supervisor field blank 
• Please leave Research Project (if applicable) blank 
• In ‘Do you have a proposal to upload?*’(Mandatory) Please select Yes 
• Then upload copy of advert (you can save the advert by clicking print, and then print to pdf) 

3) In section ‘Funding information’ please choose the option ‘Scholarship Funding’ only. Please ensure no other options are selected. 

*It is the responsibility of the applicant to list the above information accurately when applying, please note that applications received without the above information listed will not be considered for the scholarship award. 

One application is required per individual Swansea University led research scholarship award; applications cannot be considered listing multiple Swansea University led research scholarship awards. 

If you’ve previously applied for this programme, the system will display an “Application Submitted” warning and block a new submission. In this case:

1. Apply for the same course with the next available start date (e.g., select January if October is unavailable).
2. Email pgrscholarships@swansea.ac.uk with your student number and the relevant scholarship RS code, requesting the start date be amended to match the advert.
3. Admissions staff will then update your application accordingly.

NOTE: Applicants for PhD/EngD/ProfD/EdD - to support our commitment to providing an environment free of discrimination and celebrating diversity at Swansea University you are required to complete an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Monitoring Form in addition to your programme application form.    

Please note that completion of the EDI Monitoring Form is mandatory; your application may not progress if this information is not submitted. 

As part of your online application, you MUST upload the following documents (please do not send these via email): 

• CV 

• Degree certificates and transcripts (if you are currently studying for a degree, screenshots of your grades to date are sufficient) 

• A cover letter including a ‘Supplementary Personal Statement’ to explain why the position particularly matches your skills and experience and how you choose to develop the project. 

• One reference (academic or previous employer) on headed paper or using the Swansea University reference form. Please note that we are not able to accept references received citing private email accounts, e.g. Hotmail. Referees should cite their employment email address for verification of reference. 

• Evidence of meeting English Language requirement (if applicable). 

• Copy of UK resident visa (if applicable) 

• Confirmation of EDI form submission 

Informal enquiries are welcome; please contact Professor Antonio Gil a.j.gil@swansea.ac.uk  

*External Partner Application Data Sharing – Please note that as part of the scholarship application selection process, application data sharing may occur with external partners outside of the University, when joint/co- funding of a scholarship project is applicable. 

** In exceptional circumstances, and subject to the discretion of the University and/or the relevant funding body, a deferral of offer may be granted to the next available enrolment period. Such deferral will typically not exceed a duration of three calendar months from the originally stipulated commencement date. Please note that only one deferral may be considered, and any such deferral is not guaranteed.