About the Project
Across the world, ageing water pipelines lose vast quantities of treated water every day due to cracks, corrosion, and long-term material degradation. These leaks increase operating costs, disrupt communities, and place additional pressure on already stressed water resources. Conventional repair methods are typically reactive, expensive, and environmentally inefficient, often requiring excavation, shutdowns, and repeated maintenance. There is a growing need for smarter materials that reduce leakage and extend infrastructure lifespan.
This project investigates self-healing composite pipelines as a sustainable solution. These advanced materials contain microscopic capsules filled with a liquid polymer. When damage occurs, capsules rupture automatically, releasing the polymer into the crack. The polymer then hardens, sealing the damage and restoring part of the mechanical strength without external intervention. Inspired by biological healing, this approach shifts infrastructure from passive components to systems that respond autonomously to damage.
Although self-healing behaviour has been demonstrated in laboratory samples, performance under realistic pipeline conditions remains poorly understood. In service, pipes experience internal water pressure, flow fluctuations, soil restraint, traffic loading, and temperature variation. These combined effects influence crack growth, capsule activation, and the durability of healed regions. Understanding these interactions is essential before self-healing pipelines can be adopted safely and at scale.
Aim
The aim of this project is to develop and validate predictive models that describe how self-healing composite pipelines respond to mechanical loading and internal water pressure, and to assess their ability to repair damage under operational conditions.
Objectives
1. Develop numerical models to simulate crack initiation, capsule rupture, polymer release, and stiffness recovery in composite pipeline materials.
2. Incorporate simplified representations of internal water pressure and flow to capture key fluid–structure interactions affecting damage and healing.
3. Perform parametric studies to identify how capsule size, distribution, and material properties influence healing efficiency and structural recovery.
4. Validate numerical predictions through targeted laboratory experiments on composite specimens and pipe sections.
The methodology combines advanced computer modelling with focused experimental testing. Three-dimensional numerical models will simulate fracture, healing, and structural recovery within composite pipes, while simplified fluid representations will capture the influence of internal pressure. Sensitivity studies will identify design configurations that maximise self-healing performance. Experimental testing will include mechanical loading of composite specimens and short pipe sections to measure stiffness, strength, and fracture behaviour before and after healing, alongside simple leakage observations to assess crack sealing.
The outcomes will deliver a validated framework for evaluating self-healing performance in pipeline materials. This supports the development of more durable, low-maintenance water infrastructure, reducing leakage, repair costs, service disruption, and environmental impact. Scientifically, the project advances understanding of multi-physics behaviour in smart composites. Practically, it provides a foundation for future digital-twin and predictive-maintenance tools that enable proactive infrastructure management.
We welcome applications from candidates with a strong background in mechanical or civil engineering, computational or numerical modelling, and excellent experimental skills within these areas or related disciplines. The project offers interdisciplinary training, strong industry relevance, and opportunities to translate fundamental research into practical solutions for resilient, sustainable water systems worldwide and beyond applications.
This scholarship is awarded competitively, and all applications are carefully reviewed. While we cannot guarantee an offer, we encourage strong candidates to apply.
Funding Notes
Support available (subject to satisfactory performance):
A successful Home candidate will receive:
- A Full tuition fee waiver at the university Home-student rate for the specified duration of the scholarship
A successful International candidate will receive:
- A tuition fee waiver for 50% of the International-student rate for the specified duration of the scholarship.
Tuition fees are subject to annual increases.
This scholarship does not include funding for living expenses.
