Postgraduate research
Advanced Characterisation and Modelling of Materials for Hydrogen Energy Systems
Qualification: PhD
Department: School of Engineering
Application deadline: 15 January 2025
Start date: 1 May 2025
Overview
Supervisors:
- Dr Elsiddig Elmukashfi
- Professor Simon Gill
Project Description:
Addressing climate change, protecting nature, and conserving resources are essential for improving our planet's health. Hydrogen, as a low-carbon energy solution, plays a crucial role in supporting decarbonisation efforts by providing a green, versatile alternative across power, heat, and transport sectors. However, in metallic systems, hydrogen embrittlement and accelerated fatigue failure pose significant challenges, as hydrogen exposure can reduce ductility, strength, toughness, and fatigue life, leading to premature failures in critical infrastructure. Understanding and mitigating these effects on metallic materials are vital for developing reliable hydrogen-based systems.
This PhD project aims to support the transition to a net-zero, hydrogen-powered economy by advancing materials that are resilient in hydrogen environments. Through a combination of experimental and modelling approaches, this research will provide good understanding of how hydrogen affects metallic properties, ultimately enabling safer and more durable hydrogen energy systems.
Objectives:
1. Advanced Experimental Work: Develop a 3D correlative microscopy technique using the UK’s unique "Hercules" characterisation facility at the University of Leicester. Firstly, mechanical testing will be conducted in an in-situ environment to analyse hydrogen’s impact on various mechanical properties. Additionally, in-situ micromechanical testing and characterisation will be performed to capture detailed deformation and failure mechanisms. This will produce a comprehensive dataset on how hydrogen influences microstructure-property relationships in metals.
2. Multiscale and Multiphysics Modelling: Use the experimental data to calibrate and refine micromechanical and diffusion models for hydrogen in metals at the mesoscale, employing crystal plasticity finite element (CPFEM) and interface models. These models will provide insight into how hydrogen diffuses through metallic microstructures, accumulates at critical points, and affects plasticity and material cohesion. The result will be high-fidelity, microstructure-informed models capable of simulating real-world applications with enhanced accuracy and efficiency.
Funding
Funding
The studentship provides:
- 3 year full overseas fee waiver.
- 3 year stipend at UKRI rates (for 2024/5 this will be £19,237 pa)
Applicants who hold EU Settled or Pre-Settled status may be eligible for UK fees. Please email pgradmissons@le.ac.uk with a share code so that we can verify your status (The share code we need starts with S)
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
Applicants must have (or expect to obtain) at least the equivalent of a UK first or upper second-class degree in Engineering (or related subjects), or overseas equivalent in materials science, mechanical engineering or relevant subject area.
The University of Leicester English language requirements apply.
In addition, successful applicants should meet the following criteria:
- Familiar with mechanics of materials (or physical metallurgy of steels or relevant metallic materials), preferably with some experience in analytical and numerical materials modelling.
- Demonstrable experience of analytical and numerical materials modelling, using MATLAB and Fortran, computer programming/coding, and/or numerical simulation software (e.g., ABAQUS)
- Good written and oral communication skills and a positive attitude toward teamwork.
Informal enquiries
Informal enquiries
Project specific enquiries to Dr Elsiddig Elmukashfi elsiddig.elmukashfi@leicester.ac.uk
Application enquiries to csepgr@le.ac.uk
How to apply
How to apply
To apply please use the Apply link at the bottom of this page and select May 2025
With your application, please include:
- CV
- Personal statement explaining your interest in the project, your experience and why we should consider you
- Degree certificates and transcripts of study already completed and if possible transcript to date of study currently being undertaken
- Evidence of English language proficiency if applicable
- In the reference section please enter the contact details of your two academic referees in the boxes provided or upload letters of reference if already available. Referees cannot be anyone on the PhD supervisory Team.
- In the funding section please specify Engineering Elmukashfi
- In the proposal section please provide the name of the supervisors and project title (a proposal is not required)
Applications will be considered after the closing date. We will advise you of the outcome by email.
Eligibility
Eligibility
UK and International applicants may apply.
Full overseas fee waiver is including in the 3 year funding
Applicants who hold EU Settled or Pre-Settled status may be eligible for UK fees. Please email pgradmissons@le.ac.uk with a share code so that we can verify your status (The share code we need starts with S)
