Manufacturing

The manufacturing research theme focuses on the interface between design and manufacturing. We undertake research into product development processes, digital manufacturing and design for manufacture. We also undertake research into additive manufacturing technologies. We work closely with colleagues in the Design Group and Materials Engineering research areas to develop innovative solutions to the challenges facing the world today.

Our research interests include:

• Product development processes: product lifecycle management and digital manufacturing tools 
• Systems Engineering
• Design margins in engineering design and manufacture
• Design for additive manufacturing including design guidelines and standards, design optimisation, increasing manufacturing sustainability
• Laminated Objection
• Manufacturing (LOM) using diffusion bonding
• Makerspaces and redistributed manufacturing
• Aperiodic cellular solids
• Digital Twins
• Aircraft manufacturing and assembly

Entry requirements

Minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in an engineering or manufacturing related subject. If you are not a UK citizen, you may need to prove your knowledge of English.

Potential research projects

If you are interested in undertaking a PhD in any area related to the topics above, please get in touch with one of the listed supervisors. You can find out more about the research interests of each academic by clicking on their profile link below.

Before submitting an application, you will need to do some background reading around your topic and develop a research proposal. We can provide assistance with identifying funding sources and occasionally offer funded PhD projects.

We welcome mature students and are open to applications for part-time and full-time study.

Current/recent research projects

• Additive manufacturing for functional prototyping as part of the design and development process
• Making Rules, Making Tools: How Can Shape Grammar Support Creative Making
• Rules for making: kinematic design, shape and structure

Potential supervisors

• Mr Sourajyoti Basu – Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering
• Professor Claudia Eckert – Professor of Design
• Dr Iestyn Jowers – Senior Lecturer in Design
• Dr Helen Lockett – Senior Lecturer in Engineering
• Dr Richard Moat – Senior Lecturer
• Dr Amir Shirzadi – Senior Lecturer in Materials Engineering

Fees and funding

Some of our research students are funded via the Open-Oxford-Cambridge AHRC Doctoral Training Partnership; others are self-funded.

For detailed information about fees and funding, visit Fees and studentships.

To see current funded studentship vacancies across all research areas, see Current studentships.

Links

• Design Group
• Materials Group