Dynamical Response of Metals at Extremes

Applications are sought for a fully-funded 3.5 year PhD studentship focussing on the dynamical response of metals under extreme conditions. The position, which has just become available, will be held in the SMF Fracture and Shock Physics group at the Cavendish Laboratory (Dept. of Physics), University of Cambridge, to start in October 2013.

Understanding the mechanical and microstructural properties of materials is a problem of great fundamental importance. For metals under extreme loading, a variety of models are available to predict their response. However, an important area which is still not well understood is the effect of the deformation path/history dependence during deformation, particularly with respect to the failure of the material. The aim of this project is to obtain an improved understanding of such path dependences, and develop models which can describe the true behaviour. It will likely include:

- designing and performing both low and high-rate experiments to characterise the response of several metals (e.g. miniaturised split Hopkinson pressure bar experiments, plate impact experiments)
- developing methods which will eliminate the effects of sample inertia, which can mask the true material response
- developing and modifying models to describe the path dependent behaviour observed
- running numerical simulations using these models and comparing with experimental data

The project is fully funded through an EPSRC Industrial CASE award (iCASE), and will and will benefit greatly from close interaction with our major industrial partner. More generally, the SMF Fracture & Shock Physics Group forms a close community with a long heritage of performing world class experiments in this area, as described in more detail on our website: www.smf.phy.cam.ac.uk .

The successful student will hold a Masters degree in Physics, Materials Science, Engineering or a related subject. Specialist prior knowledge is welcome but not necessary and we anticipate applicants being 2013 graduates who will be new to the area. Applications should be made through the University of Cambridge online application system (described at http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/students/gradadmissions/prospec/index.shtml) and should be received as soon as possible.

For further informal enquiries, please contact Dr. Andrew Jardine ([Email Address Removed]).