Data-driven polarimetric shape sensing of composite laminates

Structural health monitoring (SHM) is vital for ensuring the safety and reliability of engineering structures such as bridges, buildings, wind turbines, aircraft, and civil infrastructure. Shape sensing technologies also have growing importance in robotics, human motion analysis, and surgical instrumentation. Fibre Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors are widely used due to their high resolution, robustness in harsh environments, and ability to be multiplexed into arrays, enabling real-time shape tracking without visual contact.

Despite these advantages, current FBG-based systems face limitations in achieving cost-effective, high-resolution localisation, defect identification, and predictive modelling of defect evolution. Addressing these challenges requires a new generation of sensing approaches.

This project, conducted in collaboration with Airbus, Insensys, and Target3D, aims to develop and validate an AI-driven polarimetric dual optical frequency comb (DOFC) technique for monitoring structural defects in composite laminates used in aerospace and renewable energy industries. By combining advanced photonic sensing with machine learning, the research will deliver:

• Enhanced localisation and classification of defects in composite materials.
• Predictive modelling of defect evolution under operational conditions.
• Cost-effective sensing solutions adaptable to industrial environments.

The outcomes will represent a significant advance in shape sensing technologies and optical frequency comb applications, with strong potential for industrial adoption and societal benefit in sustainable energy and aerospace safety.

This studentship includes a bursary to cover the tuition fees rate, plus an annual maintenance allowance.

PhD programmes are for those who are seeking to develop greater in-depth knowledge in a specific area. Completing this level of study is about making an original contribution to knowledge, making new discoveries and developing lifelong skills. 

At Aston University, our Engineering and Physical Sciences PhD programmes will provide all the support and facilities you will need to develop into a leading researcher in your chosen field.  You will be welcomed into a supportive community with a shared enthusiasm for original research, where diversity and multidisciplinary is championed.

Supervisors: Dr Sergey Sergeyev

For formal enquiries about this project contact Assoc. Prof. Sergey Sergeyev at s.sergeyev@aston.ac.uk.

Candidates should have been awarded, or expect to achieve, EITHER:

• A Bachelors degree in a relevant subject with an award of First Class or 2.1. 

OR 

• A Bachelors degree in a relevant subject with an award of First Class or 2.1, and a Masters degree in a relevant subject with an award of Merit or higher.

Qualifications from other countries which are considered by Aston University to be equivalent to that described above will be eligible to apply.

Essential qualifications and experience:

• Strong foundation in physical optics and photonics.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and contribute to collaborative research projects.

Desirable qualifications and experience:

• Knowledge of scientific programming and computational methods.
• Experience in mathematical modelling, numerical analysis, or simulation of physical systems.
• Background in differential equations, mathematical physics, or advanced data analysis.
• Prior exposure to experimental optics or fibre sensing technologies.

The ideal candidate will be motivated, technically skilled, and eager to contribute to cutting-edge research in photonic sensing and structural health monitoring, while developing transferable skills for a career in academia or industry.

We can only consider applications that are complete and have all supporting documents. Applications that do not provide all the relevant documents will be automatically rejected. Your application must include: 

1. English language copies of the transcripts and certificates for all your higher education degrees, including any Bachelor degrees.
    
2. A Research Statement detailing your understanding of the research area, how you would approach the project, and a brief review of relevant literature. Be sure to use the title of the research project you are applying for. There is no set format or word count. 
    
3. A personal statement which outlines any further information which you think is relevant to your application, such as your personal suitability for research, career aspirations, possible future research interests, and further description of relevant employment experience. 
    
4. Two academic referees who can discuss your suitability for independent research. References must be on headed paper, signed and dated no more than 2 years old. At least one reference should be from your most recent University. You can submit your references at a later date if necessary. 
    
5. Evidence that you meet the English Language requirements. If you do not currently meet the language requirements, you can submit this at a later stage. 
    
6. A copy of your passport. Where relevant, include evidence of settled or pre-settled status.

Interviews

Interviews will be conducted online via Microsoft Teams. If you are shortlisted, you will be contacted directly with details of the interview.  

Contact information

For formal enquiries about this project, contact Dr Ho Fai Po

Studying a PhD is great route into academia and industries that are centred on research and innovation. Areas with a demand for very high level and specialised research skills often demand PhDs.

In addition to this specialist knowledge, PhD education will help you to develop a set of valuable transferrable skills. The very nature of studying an intensive research degree will enable you to become a team player, develop problem-solving skills, analytical thinking, and advanced presentation and communication skills.

The variety of PhD project topics at Aston means that the destinations of our graduates vary substantially. Some choose to continue into academia, at either Aston or other leading institutions, while others go onto use their newly acquired skills in a range of research, healthcare, industry or charitable fields. When selecting your chosen PhD path at Aston, your supervisor will be able to provide you with relevant career opportunities that could be available to you in your specialist area.