PhD Studentship: Electroactive 4D-Printed Morphing Structures via Mechanical Instabilities

About the role

This PhD will explore electroactive shape-memory polymer (SMP) morphing structures activated by Joule heating, aiming to achieve large, rapid, and repeatable motion without reliance on motors or complex assemblies. A central scientific opportunity is to exploit structural instabilities—where non-linear mechanics can amplify motion via snap-through (non-linear snap-back)—so that relatively small, localised actuation produces large, global shape change.

Responsibilities

• Develop and test electroactive morphing structures that deliberately exploit mechanical instabilities to enhance actuation authority.
• Combine design, modelling, fabrication, and experiments to deliver design principles for instability-enabled electroactive morphing.
• Design and model instability-enabled morphing architectures, including bistable and snap-through structures (e.g., shells, arches, lattices, hinge-inspired unit cells) to achieve motion amplification and controlled deployment paths.
• Develop and fabricate electroactive 4D-printed specimens (single- and multi-material), integrating conductive pathways and actuation zones compatible with Joule heating.
• Characterise actuation and instability behavior, including kinematics (fold angle/displacement), force/energy landscape, repeatability over cycles, and failure modes under repeated snap-through events.
• Implement electro-thermal diagnostics and actuation control, including resistance monitoring, Joule-heating strategies, and thermal-field measurement to manage hotspots and enable repeatable triggering.

Requirements

We welcome applicants with a strong background in one or more of: Mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, civil engineering, materials science, mechatronics, robotics, or applied physics. Additive manufacturing / 3D printing and experimental mechanics are preferred, but not essential. Experience with 4D printing or SMPs is helpful but not required. The project is suitable for a motivated candidate keen to develop expertise at the intersection of mechanics, materials, and manufacturing.

Qualifications

• A 2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent).
• The University’s English language requirements.
• Funding: Tuition fees + stipend are available for Home students only.
• To qualify as a Home student, you must fulfil one of the following criteria:
• You are a UK student.
• You are an EU student with settled/pre-settled status who also has 3 years residency in the UK/EEA/Gibraltar/Switzerland immediately before the start of your Programme.

Skills

• Strong background in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, civil engineering, materials science, mechatronics, robotics, or applied physics.
• Experience with additive manufacturing / 3D printing and experimental mechanics.
• Experience with numerical modelling (FEA) and/or programming (Python/Matlab).