Introduction
This PhD will explore how novel metamaterial architectures can be engineered to provide both radiation shielding and structural performance for next-generation rocket and space systems. Long-duration missions beyond Earth’s protective magnetosphere expose spacecraft and astronauts to intense gamma rays and neutrons, which are among the most destructive forms of radiation. At the same time, spacecraft must remain extremely lightweight, thermally resistant, and structurally strong. Conventional shielding approaches such as thick aluminium walls or heavy lead panels are far too mass-intensive for rockets and habitats. This project aims to design lightweight multifunctional panels and skins that can simultaneously block radiation, withstand mechanical loads, and survive the extreme conditions of space. By combining additive manufacturing, advanced composites, and lattice metamaterials, the research will push the frontier of aerospace engineering. The ambition is to create scalable materials that enhance the safety and performance of rockets, habitats, and nuclear propulsion systems.
Background
Radiation protection is one of the most pressing barriers to deep-space exploration. Beyond low Earth orbit, astronauts and electronic systems are exposed to galactic cosmic rays (GCRs) and solar energetic particles (SEPs). These high-energy particles generate dangerous secondary radiation, especially neutrons and gamma rays, when they strike spacecraft materials. Unlike protons, neutrons are uncharged and deeply penetrating, while gamma photons require dense or high-Z materials to attenuate. Traditional solutions, such as thick aluminium or lead layers, are unsuitable for spacecraft because of the associated mass penalty.
In recent years, researchers have explored polymer nanocomposites (e.g., borated polyethylene), metallic foams, and nanotube-based fabrics as alternatives. Studies show that boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) have exceptional neutron absorption, while tungsten-doped metal foams can attenuate gamma rays at reduced weight. NASA’s MISSE experiments demonstrated that layered polymer boron composites could reduce astronaut dose by up to 44% compared to aluminium at equivalent mass. However, these systems typically sacrifice structural strength or degrade under long-term space exposure.
Research gap
The aerospace community requires multifunctional metamaterials that simultaneously act as load-bearing structures and as radiation shields against both gamma and neutron flux. Such materials must also be resistant to thermal cycling, micrometeoroid impacts, and atomic oxygen erosion. With increasing global interest in Mars exploration, lunar habitats, and nuclear thermal propulsion, the timing is urgent. A new class of engineered lattices and graded composites could redefine how we build rocket fairings, spacecraft skins, and habitat panels, merging safety and efficiency into one design.
Contribution to Science
This PhD is unique in its ambition to create truly multifunctional aerospace metamaterials. Previous research has addressed either radiation shielding or lightweight structures in isolation; here, the two will be integrated. The project brings together radiation physics, advanced materials engineering, and aerospace structural design in one coherent programme. The contribution will be a new class of graded, architected panels that can cut space radiation doses while carrying structural loads. This is not incremental improvement, it is a step toward redefining spacecraft architecture for safety, weight efficiency, and long-duration survivability.
Aim
Develop multifunctional metamaterial panels that provide lightweight gamma and neutron shielding while serving as structural skins for advanced rocket and space systems.
Objectives
Validate Prototypes: test prototypes under thermal cycling and mechanical loading
Simulate thermo-mechanics: use simulations to assess structural integrity under aerospace conditions
Conduct radiation tests: perform tests with calibrated sources to evaluate shielding effectiveness
Fabricate prototypes: use additive manufacturing to produce prototype panels and lattice skins
Design metamaterials: create optimised structures for radiation attenuation and mechanical performance
Methodology / Approach
All radiation tests should be done computationally or should be outsourced. The student will follow a hybrid experimental and computational pathway. Initial stages will involve simulation of neutron and gamma transport using Monte Carlo methods (Geant4 or MCNP) to optimise material combinations and geometries. In parallel, finite element analysis in ANSYS will evaluate stiffness, thermal stability, and impact resistance. Guided by these models, the student will fabricate prototype metamaterial panels using 3D printing of boron-loaded polymers, carbon fibre reinforced lattices, and high-Z coatings (tungsten, bismuth, or MXene-based films).
Laboratory testing will expose prototypes to gamma and neutron sources, measuring attenuation efficiency relative to mass. Mechanical performance will be validated through compression, bending, and impact testing, alongside thermal cycling up to 600 °C to simulate rocket and space environments. Finally, results will be benchmarked against existing materials (aluminium, polyethylene, BNNT fabrics) to quantify the mass efficiency and structural gains.
