The project: Exploiting the outstanding potential for sheet moulding compound made of repurposed discontinuous thin-ply composites Supervisor: Professor Michael Wisnom Sheet Moulding Compound (SMC) offers low manufacturing costs, excellent formability and can be made from repurposed prepreg off-cuts. The random nature of SMC generally leads to low strength and large variability. This limits their application in load-bearing components. SMC made of ultra-thin prepreg tapes (UT-SMC) can overcome such limitations. There are some reports that more than doubled strength can be achieved compared with conventional SMCs, but little research has been done on using repurposed ultra-thin prepreg based materials. The PhD project will: Develop reliable manufacturing, testing and modelling methods for assessing performance of repurposed UT-SMC materials and structures, targeting automotive and aerospace components Devise a means of repurposing out-of-shelf-life ultra-thin plies and ultra-thin prepreg off cuts from production Create new simulation and design tools that allow accurate performance assessment of the as-produced component/structure and through life durability, eliminating or reducing the need for physical testing Excite your interest in creating repurposed materials that can be utilised in high value and high performance composite assets. How to apply: To apply please submit a personal statement, outlining your experience and why you are interested in the PhD project, your CV and transcript of results to https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/. Please do not submit a project description; this is unnecessary as the project is already defined. Please select PhD in Advance Composites and enter Professor Janice Barton the Director of the CDT as the 2 nd supervisor ( janice.bartonbristol.ac.uk ) Candidate requirements : Applicants must hold/achieve a minimum a 2:1 MEng or merit at Masters level or equivalent in engineering, physics or chemistry. Applicants without a master's qualification may be considered on an exceptional basis, provided they hold a first-class undergraduate degree. Please note, acceptance will also depend on evidence of readiness to pursue a research degree and performance at interview. Funding: An enhanced stipend of £25,789 (based on UKRI 2024/25 rate), a fee waiver and generous research financial support for the successful candidates. Contact: isce-cdtbristol.ac.uk An enhanced stipend of £25,789 (based on UKRI 2024/25 rate), a fee waiver and generous research financial support for the successful candidates