Supervisory Team: Professor Robert JK Wood and Professor Georges Limbert
PWRs use hard facings which have low wear rates and friction. Galling wear creates extremely high friction. As hard facings are composite materials comprising carbides , in galling resistant metallic matrices, the project will identify the mechanism by which hard phase support galling resistance to build a predictive model.
PWRs use hard facings which have low wear rates and friction. Galling wear creates extremely high friction. Hard facing alloys, such as those used in nuclear power plant, are composite materials comprising carbides (and other hard phases), in galling resistant metallic matrices. This project aims to identify the role and mechanism by which hard phase support galling resistance to support the production of a microstructural model which allows the role of the hard phase to be investigated under a range of operating loads informed by experiments. Although the issue is local to valves/operating mechanisms the transfer of debris throughout the system including the core results in activation and plating out of these debris in different parts of the nuclear plant. This project will be sponsored by Rolls-Royce Submarines, Derby and the student will receive invitations to their annual sponsored student conference. The student would have support to attend two international conferences and would gain skills in surface engineering, advanced experimental techniques, modelling and research-industry interactions. Also there will be opportunities for short placements / possible future employment with RR. The project will involve interaction with researchers at Imperial, Nottingham, Sheffield and access to rigs at the Henry Royce Institute.
The student would have support to attend two international conferences and would gain skills in surface engineering, advanced experimental techniques, modelling and research-industry interactions. Also there will be opportunities for short placements / possible future employment with RR. The project will involve interaction with researchers at Imperial, Nottingham, Sheffield and access to rigs at the Henry Royce Institute.
Entry Requirements
A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent) in materials, mechanical engineering, nuclear engineering, engineering science.
Closing date: 31 January 2026. Applications will be considered in the order that they are received, the position will be considered filled when a suitable candidate has been identified.
Funding: We offer a range of funding opportunities for both UK and international students, including Bursaries and Scholarships. For more information please visit PhD Scholarships | Doctoral College | University of Southampton and RR part funding available, Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis, so apply early for the best opportunity to be considered.
How To Apply
Apply online: Search for a Postgraduate Programme of Study (soton.ac.uk)
• Programme type: Research
• Academic year: 2026/27
• If you will be full time or part time
• Faculty: Engineering and Physical Sciences
Search for programme PhD Engineering & the Environment (7175)
Please add the name of the supervisor in section 2 of the application.
Applications should include:
• your CV (resumé)
• 2 academic references
• degree transcripts/ certificates to date
• English language qualification (if applicable)
For further information please contact: feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk
The School of Engineering is committed to promoting equality, diversity inclusivity as demonstrated by our Athena SWAN award. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking flexible working patterns and those who have taken a career break. The University has a generous maternity policy, onsite childcare facilities, and offers a range of benefits to help ensure employees’ well-being and work-life balance. The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.