Developing an origami-inspired wave energy converter through Dielectric Fluid Generator

Applications are invited for a 3.5-year EPSRC funded UDLA PhD studentship. The studentship will start on 1 October 2026.

Apply 

To apply please use the online application form. Simply click on the online application link below for PhD Mechanical Engineering. 
Within the research section of the application form, in the following field, please add: 
‘Proposed project title/studentship title’ add EPSRC DLA 26-10 Meng.
When the application asks for a research proposal, please just upload a blank document. A research proposal is not needed for this programme as you are applying directly to a studentship project.

Application guidance 

It is important that you follow the instructions above or your application for this studentship may be missed and therefore will not be considered.
Before applying, please ensure you have read the Doctoral College’s general information on applying for a postgraduate research degree.
For more information on the admissions process please contact research.degree.admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.
Director of Studies (DoS): Dr Maozhou Meng
Second Supervisor: Dr Yu Yao
Third Supervisor: Professor Zhong You
Fourth Supervisor: Dr. Jingyi Yang (tel.: +65 98997151)
Applications are invited for a 3.5-year EPSRC funded UDLA PhD studentship. The studentship will start on 1 October 2026.

Project description 

This PhD studentship will focus on the Dielectric Fluid Generator (DFG), an innovative electrostatic variable capacitance generator that converts mechanical energy into direct current electricity. A DFG unit consists of rigid electrodes, dielectric fluid, and elastomer material to host the electrodes. By stacking multiple DFG units, it is possible to create a flexible direct generation module for integration into an energy harvesting device, such as Wave Energy Converter (WEC). With the introduction of the rigid origami principle, the deformation could be localised on elastomers whereas electrode stretching, and compression could be minimized, thereby reducing material fatigue and prolonging service life.
Candidate will be carrying out research activities under the guidance of a vibrant supervision team across multiple intuitions, with expertise in Material Science, Electronic Engineering, and Structural Engineering. This is a novel concept for harvesting wave energy through dielectric fluid, and it is expected to lead to a new type of direct energy generation. This project will systematically study various dielectric materials, control circuits, and structural shapes and explore the efficiency of mechanical/electrical conversion via both experiment and computer simulation. 

Eligibility

Applicants should have a first or upper second-class honours degree in an appropriate subject and preferably a relevant Masters qualification. Applications from both UK and overseas students are welcome. 
The studentship is supported for 3.5 years and includes full Home tuition fees, Bench fee plus a Stipend of £21,805 per annum 2026/27 rate.  The studentship will only fully fund those applicants who are eligible for Home fees with relevant qualifications.  Applicants normally required to cover International fees will have to cover the difference between the Home and the International tuition fee rates.  The international component of the fee may be waived for outstanding international applicants.
There is no additional funding available to cover NHS Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) costs, visa costs, flights etc.
  • The studentship is supported for 3.5 years of the four-year registration period. The subsequent 6 months of registration is a self-funded ‘writing-up’ period.
  • You can’t work full time while receiving a PhD stipend.
If you wish to discuss this project further informally, please contact Dr Maozhou Meng.
How to apply
To apply, please click the ‘Online application’ link above. Please include the following documents with your application:
  • CV / résumé
  • Personal Statement (outlining your academic interests, prior research experience and reasons for wishing to undertake the project).
  • Degree certificates and transcripts (please provide interim transcript if you are still studying). 
  • Contact information for two referees familiar with your academic work.
  • If relevant, proof of English Language Competency (Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language with an IELTS Academic of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component, or equivalent).
Please also see here for a list of supporting documents to upload with your application.
For more information on the admissions process generally, please visit our How to Apply for a Research Degree webpage or contact the Doctoral College.
The closing date for applications is 12 noon on 24 April 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview shortly thereafter. We regret that we may not be able to respond to all applications.  Applicants who have not received a response within six weeks of the closing date should consider their application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.