Hello everyone, I am a mechanical engineer working in an automotive company as a Finite element analysis and numerical simulations Engineer. I would like to do a PhD in either of them. But the problem is I am not able to find an already funded research project in those fields. So I have a few questions

1) I approached couple of universities near me and they sent me lists of researches they are doing. They are not completely related to the above topics but it’s part of it. Is it possible to focus only on the FEA or NS part of that research project and get a doctorate? I wanted to get some advice before I ask the universities, and come of as a stupid.

2) what are some resources you guys use to find funded PhD projects? I couldn’t find many projects on my google searches.

Any advices would be greatly appreciated!