BCAST/ Investigation of deformation modes in the development of manufacturing-induced property enhanced AA6xxx series Aluminium Alloys

Constellium are leading the way for automotive lightweighting of the future generations of sustainable vehicles by the development of high strength AA6xxx series aluminium extrusion alloys with tensile yield strength (Rp0.2) above 400MPa and >10% elongation. Innovative thermomechanical processing routes (aDA) have been developed to further reduce weight and achieving the best combinations of strength, ductility and crack resistance. The process involves a pre-aging step (‘a’) carried out after extrusion and quenching followed by a plastic deformation processing step (‘D’) and subsequently a post-deformation artificial ageing (‘A’). The deformation process (Step D) increases dislocation density by interaction with the precipitates formed during Step ‘a’. The objective of the PhD project is to study various different deformation modes (e.g. stretching, electromagnetic pulse forming, cycle deformation, etc.) for the development of high strength AA6xxx alloys. The aim of this project is to realise the full potential of the innovative aDA process for promoting manufacturing-induced performance increase.

 BCAST is a specialist research centre focusing on light metallic material related research with an international reputation and hosts the national centre of excellence in liquid metal engineering (the EPSRC Future LiME Hub) and the UKRI Interdisciplinary Centre for Circular Metals. BCAST is well equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for solidification science, metal processing and materials characterisation. We cover fundamental research, technological development and industrial applications in the field of solidification and processing of light metals. For more information see http://www.brunel.ac.uk/research/Centres/BCAST. The proposed research will use facilities for metal processing as well as the characterization facilities to understand fundamental science behind an industrially relevant development. The research conducted as part of this PhD programme will contribute to the activities of the Constellium University Technology Centre (UTC) established with BCAST and form part of the strategic alliance between the two parties.

 Eligibility

 Applicants will have or be expected to receive a minimum 2:1 or 1^st class degree in Engineering. A Masters qualification is an advantage but not essential.

Skills and Experience

 Applicants should have a background in metallurgical or mechanical engineering with familiarity and interest in metals and alloys and their processing.

 The applicant will need to demonstrate a high level of motivation as well as the ability to study independently and think critically and should also be able to collaborate with others and communicate effectively, orally or in writing.

How to Apply

 Please e-mail your application comprising of all the documents listed below to

 cedps-pgr-office@brunel.ac.uk    in ONE PDF file by Noon on Friday 31 March 2023:

 ·        Your up-to-date CV;

·        A one A4 page personal statement setting out why you are a suitable candidate (i.e.: your skills and experience);

·        A copy of your degree certificate(s) and transcript (s);

·        Names and contact details for two academic referees;

·        Evidence of English language capability to IELTS 6.5 (minimum 6.0 in all sections), if applicable

Interviews will start from the second week of April 2023.