Mechanical Engineering

Guided by our high-profile academic staff in a supportive environment, our PhD options are designed to allow you to release your full potential. From nanotechnology to vehicle and aero-technology, our research scales the full range of engineering disciplines to examine some of the most challenging issues today and supports the manufacturing industry worldwide.

Studying a PhD / MSc by Research at the University of Birmingham offers you a wealth of opportunities to expand and transform your thinking through independent inquiry. By undertaking an intensive research project, backed by intellectual and scientific knowledge, you will be joining a vibrant and proactive research environment. All doctoral researchers are brought together by the University Graduate School, providing an abundance of opportunities to meet fellow researchers.

Why study Mechanical Engineering PhD/MSc by Research at Birmingham?

• By studying a PhD with us, you will be at the forefront of developing industry and making a pivotal change to society. As well as this, you'll have access to an unparalleled support network. In addition to the supervisors associated directly to each researcher, the school have two mentors who can be approached to discuss specific issues that affect their progress. Also, the school has a postgraduate research administrator who advises all researchers on procedures followed by the school.
• As a doctoral researcher at Birmingham, you will have easy access to the materials and facilities you need to undertake world-class research. In recent years, over £5 million has been invested in new laboratories for advanced manufacturing, micro-engineering and biomedical engineering and we are continually expanding our facilities.
• Our Design Centre houses over 80 networked computers for computer-aided engineering including computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided manufacture (CAM), finite-element analysis (FEA), computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and systems modelling (engine systems; 1-d gas dynamic). There are also facilities for group design work, two new RP3D printing machines complementing the existing Denford table top four axis Compact 1000 Pro CNC router and milling machines.
• Our £2.5 million machining research equipment is housed in a single purpose-built laboratory, enabling us to complete research contracts with industrial partners involving aeroengine manufacture, new materials evaluation (including titaniums and carbon fibre composites) and micro-sensor development for a whole range of applications. Our new engines laboratories are being used to research engines for hybrid vehicle power-trains in highly realistic transient speed/load conditions, including the effects of very cold start and combustion air (from -20°C) on emissions and performance.
• We have a biomedical engineering laboratory within a Class 2 containment area, equipped with the latest electro-mechanical testing machines for evaluating surgical implants, enabling us to work with surgeons and with the healthcare industry. Our clean room houses nanotechnology equipment used to make micro-electro- mechanical systems (MEMS).
• We also have recently invested in a cryogenic energy laboratory, a £1 million purpose built facility for energy storage using cryogenic liquids, state of the art equipment and a major demonstration plant.