Supervisors:
Prof Robert Wood
Prof Georges Limbert
Dr David Stewart - Rolls Royce
Modern PWRs use hard facings which must have high wear resistance and low friction for safe operation of mechanical components. This project will look at the role of hard phases in a softer matrix to avoid high friction (galling) events and produce a predictive model.
Hard facing alloys, such as those used in nuclear power plant, are composite materials comprising carbides (and other hard phases), in galling resistant metallic matrices. This project aims to identify the role and mechanism by which hard phase support galling resistance to support the production of a microstructural model which allows the role of the hard phase to be investigated under a range of operating loads informed by experiments. Although the issue is local to valves/operating mechanisms the transfer of debris throughout the system including the core results in activation and plating out of these debris in different parts of the nuclear plant. This project will be sponsored by Rolls-Royce Submarines, Derby and the student will receive invitations to their annual sponsored student conference. The student would have support to attend two international conferences and would gain skills in surface engineering, advanced experimental techniques, modelling and research-industry interactions. Also there will be opportunities for short placements / possible future employment with RR. The project will involve interaction with researchers at Imperial, Nottingham, Sheffield and access to rigs at the Henry Royce Institute.
For more information, please contact the supervisor: Prof Robert Wood r.wood@soton.ac.uk
Entry Requirements:
Undergraduate degree (at least UK 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent).
materials, mech eng, nuclear eng, mech sciences
This PhD studentship is open only to UK applicants.
Funding:
We are pleased to announce that for 2026/27 entry, specific Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs) at the University of Southampton have been selected to be part of a pilot programme of funding for UK doctoral candidates launched by The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). The funding is delivered through the TechExpert strand of government’s new TechFirst skills programme. TechExpert will fund nationally, a stipend uplift for at least 500 domestic (UK only) doctoral students in priority technology areas over the next four years, strengthening the UK’s innovation pipeline and building a more inclusive, resilient and high-impact research ecosystem. For candidates looking to complete a PhD or EngD full-time we offer an enhanced tax-free stipend of up to £31,000 (UKRI minimum + £10,000) 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.
Closing Date:
8th December 2025. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis and the position will be considered filled when a suitable candidate has been identified. We encourage early application to avoid disappointment.
How to Apply:
Please apply via the online portal and select:
• Programme type: Research
• Academic year: 2026/27
• 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
Please add the name of the supervisor in section 2 of the application.
Applications should include:
• your CV (resumé)
• 2 academic references
• degree transcripts/ certificates to date
