PhD Studentship: Insulation Reliability for Next-Generation Electric Motors in Automotive and Aerospace Applications

Area

Electrical & Electronic Engineering

Location

Jubilee Campus

Closing Date

Tuesday 01 December 2026

Reference

ENG411

Enhancing the Insulation Reliability of Next-Generation Electric Motors for Automotive and Aerospace Applications

Background: The transition towards electrified automotive and aerospace transport demands electric motors with increasing power density, efficiency and operating voltage without compromising reliability. These trends, together with wide-bandgap converters and fast-switching voltage waveforms, impose increasingly severe electrical stresses on winding insulation. The challenge is particularly critical in aerospace applications, where reduced air pressure can significantly increase the risk of partial discharge (PD) and accelerate insulation degradation. This PhD studentship will investigate and enhance the reliability of next-generation winding insulation systems, including emerging hairpin and Litz-wire technologies, under representative electrical, thermal, pressure and mechanical stresses. The successful candidate will combine extensive experimental testing with insulation lifetime modelling to study PD inception, degradation and endurance, and to develop approaches for predicting insulation lifetime under realistic operating conditions. The research will support improved insulation design and qualification for reliable next-generation electric motors, contributing to safer, higher-performance automotive and aerospace electrification.

Entry Requirements

• A master's degree (e.g. MSc, MEng, MPhys, MRes or equivalent) in a relevant engineering or physical sciences discipline, such as electrical/electronic engineering, general engineering, mechatronics, physics, materials science/engineering, mechanical/aerospace engineering, or a closely related subject, is essential.
• A strong background or relevant experience in high-voltage engineering, electrical machines, power electronics, dielectric/insulation materials, or related areas would be advantageous.
• Knowledge of numerical/FEM simulation tools such as COMSOL Multiphysics and MATLAB.
• Programming/coding and experimental hardware skills are desirable.
• Strong analytical and mathematical skills.
• Passion for research and willingness to learn.
• Good presentation, communication and scientific writing skills.

Eligibility: Due to funding restrictions this position is only available to UK candidates.