PhD/MPhil Structural Integrity

Research profile

Brunel University London has partnered with the National Structural Integrity Research Centre to provide an opportunity for students to undertake in-depth research in combination with the industrial experience of TWI across the varied disciplines essential to structural integrity.

Considering the expertise and track record of both Brunel and NSIRC-based staff, the following areas have been identified as the main research strengths within the wider field of Structural Integrity:

• Dynamic response of materials and structures (modelling, experimental characterisation and design/optimisation for composites and metals);
• Structural health monitoring based on ultrasound wave propagation and acoustic emissions in solids (modelling, experimental validation, signal processing and sensors);
• Steel, concrete and hybrid structures (material design, manufacturing, modelling and experimental characterisation);
• Fatigue and fracture (modelling, experimental characterisation);
• Extreme loading (e.g. fire, earthquake, blast and progressive collapse)
• Fluid-structure interaction (unboned flexible risers)
• Manufacturing (e.g. sheet metal forming, bulk-forming, casting, extrusion, 3D printing).

A key aim of the PhD programme is to supply a stream of industry-ready, world-class engineers and scientists in structural integrity disciplines such as fail-safe design, corrosion control, structural health monitoring, ageing asset management and fitness for service.

Careers and your future

Tailored careers support is offered to all our current PhD students and for up to 3 years after you complete your research at Brunel. We help you to actively engage in career planning and managing your personal development right from the start of your research. Our careers provision includes online advice, one to one consultations and a range of events and workshops.

In addition, where available, you may be able to undertake some paid work as we recognise that teaching and learning support duties represent an important professional and career development opportunity. MPhil option available.