Self-funded doctoral research in Advanced Mechanical/Material Engineering areas focusing on design and development of the novel metamaterials for multifunctional applications in energy systems

About the Project

There is open PhD and MSc by research positions (self-funded) available in the Centre for Energy Engineering of Cranfield University. These doctoral research vacancies are about the development of the novel hydrogen storage tanks with porous/cellular metamaterial cores. Application of this research will be in the energy supply for the transportation and home systems. You need to have an interest to develop novel materials for sustainable and renewable green energy systems. Furthermore, a good understanding of the design of engineering design will be required.

This project lies at the intersection of advanced materials science, mechanical and aerospace engineering, and energy systems, with a specific focus on the design and development of multifunctional metamaterials. These engineered materials exhibit unique mechanical, thermal, and acoustic properties not found in nature, making them ideal for next-generation hydrogen storage technologies.

Hydrogen is widely recognized as a key enabler of the global transition to net-zero emissions, particularly in hard-to-decarbonize sectors like aerospace and automotive. Safe, lightweight, and efficient hydrogen storage remains a major challenge, and this project addresses that by developing novel metamaterial-based tank designs with enhanced performance characteristics.

Additionally, the research extends to transformative applications in vibration and noise control, energy harvesting, and other multidisciplinary domains—further increasing its relevance across various engineering sectors and contributing to more sustainable, efficient, and intelligent systems.

This work aligns with global priorities in energy decarbonisation, materials innovation, and green transport, making it both timely and strategically important.

The primary focus of this research project is the design, development, and performance evaluation of novel multifunctional metamaterials for application in next-generation hydrogen storage systems, specifically targeting the aerospace and automotive sectors.

The aim is to engineer advanced metamaterials that offer enhanced mechanical strength, thermal stability, and multifunctionality, enabling lighter, safer, and more efficient hydrogen storage tanks. These materials will be designed to address current limitations in conventional storage systems, such as weight, safety, and energy density.

In parallel, the project also aims to explore the broader applications of these advanced metamaterials in areas such as:

• Noise and vibration control in transport and industrial systems
• Energy harvesting to support self-powered systems
• Cross-disciplinary integration, enabling smart structures and systems across engineering domains

Ultimately, the goal is to contribute transformative technologies that support the decarbonisation of energy and transport, and to advance the field of smart and sustainable materials engineering.

Cranfield University UK is a postgraduate university known for its industrial collaborative research and development projects. Cranfield's distinctive expertise is its deep understanding of technology and management and how this work together to benefit the world. Cranfield education portfolio is renowned for its relevance to business and industry. Cranfield work informs government policy and leads the way in producing cutting edge new technologies and products in partnership with industry. Cranfield Manufacturing and Materials is following an ambitious strategy by developing a roadmap for a Sustainable Manufacturing Sector for 2050.

Scientific and Technological Impact

• Development of novel multifunctional metamaterials with tailored mechanical, thermal, and acoustic properties suitable for demanding environments.
• Innovation in hydrogen storage technologies, offering safer, lighter, and more efficient tank designs for automotive and aerospace applications.
• Cross-functional material designs enabling new approaches to vibration damping, noise suppression, and energy harvesting in integrated systems.
• Generation of new knowledge in metamaterial design, modelling, and experimental validation, contributing to the advancement of materials science and mechanical engineering.

Industrial and Societal Relevance

• Acceleration of hydrogen technology adoption in clean transport by addressing key engineering barriers in storage and safety.
• Contribution to the global agenda of energy decarbonisation and net-zero emissions by enhancing the viability of hydrogen as a clean fuel.
• Potential spin-off applications across automotive, aerospace, infrastructure, and renewable energy sectors.
• Development of skilled researchers with interdisciplinary expertise in advanced materials, energy systems, and sustainable engineering.

The project is positioned to have broad and long-term impact, both by pushing the boundaries of metamaterials research and by delivering practical solutions for a more sustainable future.

You will involve in ongoing top research on the mechanical metamaterials for energy applications where you can develop the border of the knowledge in this field. Furthermore, you will work with a team of experts and researchers which are internationally recognized for their excellence in research.

You are emerging in the area of metamaterials design for energy systems and will be able to shape the future of this exciting research area. This is an extraordinary opportunity to develop yourself and become a future pioneer of this field.

At a glance

• Application deadline: Ongoing
• Award type(s): PhD, MSc by Research
• Start date: 29 Sep 2025
• Duration of award: 3 years
• Eligibility: UK, EU, Rest of world
• Reference number: SWEE0290 & SWEE0291

Supervisor

Dr. Mostafa Ranjbar

Entry requirements

Applicants should have a first or second class UK honours degree or equivalent in a related discipline. This project would suit Someone with general background in mechanical or materials engineering.

Funding

This is a technical self-funded research opportunity, applicants will need to cover their own tuition fees and the living expenses.

How to apply

For further information please contact: Deputy Director of Advanced Mechanical Engineering Course

Name: Dr Mostafa Ranjbar

Email: mostafa.ranjbar@cranfield.ac.uk

Phone: 00441234754117

For further information about application please visit Applying for a research degree.

If you are eligible to apply for this studentship, please complete the online application form for either the PhD or MSc.

PhD - Application form

MSc - Application form