PhD project in Ultrasonic drilling for minimally invasive assessment of inhomogeneous damage in degraded concrete
PhD @University of Southampton posted 2 days agoJob Description
About the project
This project aims to develop a robot-integrated ultrasonic drilling system for minimally invasive, high-resolution assessment of inhomogeneous damage in degraded concrete. By combining ultrasonic sensing and force measurement during drilling, the system enables real-time subsurface characterization in extreme environments such as underwater or post-fire, supporting safer infrastructure inspection and maintenance.
Infrastructure exposed to harsh conditions, such as marine environments, nuclear radiation, arctic climates, or fire events, undergoes progressive and inhomogeneous degradation. Accurate assessment of internal damage is critical to ensuring structural safety, effective maintenance, and timely rehabilitation. Yet, these environments are often difficult or hazardous to access. Traditional evaluation techniques are frequently invasive, time-consuming, or lack the resolution to detect early-stage internal deterioration.
This project aims to develop a robot-integrated ultrasonic drilling system for minimally invasive, real-time, and high-resolution subsurface damage assessment in concrete. The proposed system features a miniaturized ultrasonic drill embedded with force and ultrasonic sensors, capable of penetrating concrete while continuously capturing material resistance and internal structural changes. This enables real-time profiling of degradation along the depth of concrete components, even in extreme or inaccessible conditions.
The system is specifically designed for integration with robotic arms or drones, enabling autonomous inspection of submerged structures, confined spaces, or hazardous post-disaster zones where human access is limited or unsafe.
You will work in world-class laboratories at the University of Southampton, with access to cutting-edge facilities for materials testing, embedded systems, and robotics. You will join an interdisciplinary supervisory team across Mechanical and Civil Engineering. You will develop expertise in drill tool development, sensor integration, signal processing, cementitious material characterization, and multi-physics modelling. You will build highly transferable skills for careers in academia, infrastructure resilience, advanced diagnostics, or robotics-driven engineering.
You will receive training on design, fabrication and characterisation of ultrasonic drill tools using engineering software. Technical training will include advanced material characterisation techniques such as micro-CT, NMR, SEM, and in-situ XRD.
You will benefit from professional development through the University of Southampton’s Doctoral College. This includes courses on academic writing, research ethics, presentation and communication skills, and public engagement. Opportunities will also be available to gain experience in teaching and supervision.
Entry requirements
You must have a UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent, in one of the following:
- mechanical engineering
- civil engineering
- mechanics
or a related field.
Essential skills:
- high motivation, self-direction, and a proactive approach to research
- excellent communication and teamwork skills for effective collaboration
- IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent) for non-native English speakers
Desirable skills:
- experience in modelling of ultrasonic transducers, mechatronic system development, concrete technology, numerical modelling, or experimental testing
- proficiency in coding and computational tools such as MATLAB, Python, FEA or CAD
- strong academic writing skills for producing high-quality research papers
- prior involvement in research projects
Fees and funding
We offer a range of funding opportunities for both UK and international students. Horizon Europe fee waivers automatically cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for qualifying students.
Competition-based Presidential Bursaries from the University cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for top-ranked applicants.
Competition-based studentships offered by our schools typically cover UK-level tuition fees and a stipend for living costs (minimum of £19,237 in 2024-25) for top-ranked applicants.
Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis, so apply early for the best opportunity to be considered.
How to apply
You need to:
- choose programme type (Research), 2025/26, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
- select Full time or Part time
- choose the relevant PhD in Engineering
- add name of the supervisor in section 2
Applications should include:
- personal statement
- your CV (resumé)
- 2 academic references
- degree transcripts to date
- a research plan (1 or 2 pages)
Contact us
Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
If you have a general question, email:Â feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk
Project leader
For an initial conversation, email Dr Xuan Li (X.Li@soton.ac.uk).
