Design of tailored 3D printed fibre-reinforced composites (Advert Reference: RDF19/EE/MCE/BLACKLOCK)

3D printed continuous fibre-reinforced composites are an emerging material that have the potential to transform the composites industry. Additive manufacturing processes provide, for the first time, a means of rapid fabrication for complex-shaped components not feasible using traditional methods. With precise control of fibre location, it is now possible to design the material architecture for tailored applications.

The barrier to realising these benefits is a robust modelling approach that is both fast and accurate. This project will bridge length scales, from the fibre scale (μm) through the fibre bundle/tow scale (mm) to that of the bulk material (m) and determine the necessary level of model detail. The objectives of this work are to characterise the material in terms of material architecture and behaviour; model the material at the fibre, bundle, and component scales to predict material behaviour; and design bespoke material architectures through varying the location and volume of fibre in the material.

The major impact from this work will be an understanding of the required level of modelling detail needed for the rapid optimisation of composite structures. This will enable tailored material architectures based upon bespoke components of complex shape with specific performance needs. This level of optimisation is not currently possible with existing composite manufacturing and modelling approaches and will yield time, weight, and cost savings. More broadly, this work has implications for the UK additive manufacturing and composites industries and links the two, until now, separate fields.

The project is relevant to the Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering and Materials Science disciplines and will provide the PhD candidate with a breadth of knowledge and experience.

The principal supervisor for this project is Matthew Blacklock.

Eligibility and How to Apply:
Please note eligibility requirement:

• Academic excellence of the proposed student i.e. 2:1 (or equivalent GPA from non-UK universities [preference for 1st class honours]); or a Masters (preference for Merit or above); or APEL evidence of substantial practitioner achievement.
• Appropriate IELTS score, if required.
• Applicants cannot apply for this funding if currently engaged in Doctoral study at Northumbria or elsewhere.

This PhD is suitable for students with a strong background in Mechanical and/or Aerospace Engineering. An interest in additive manufacturing and experimental and numerical methods is essential.

For further details of how to apply, entry requirements and the application form, see
https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/research/postgraduate-research-degrees/how-to-apply/

Please note: Applications that do not include a research proposal of approximately 1,000 words (not a copy of the advert), or that do not include the advert reference (e.g. RDF19/EE/MCE/BLACKLOCK) will not be considered.

Deadline for applications: Friday 25 January 2019
Start Date: 1 October 2019

Northumbria University is an equal opportunities provider and in welcoming applications for studentships from all sectors of the community we strongly encourage applications from women and under-represented groups.