Development and application of neutron transmission imaging for aerospace applications

Eligibility: UK/EU/International
Tuition Fees + Bursary £15000 per year
Three years fixed term

PI: Prof Michael Fitzpatrick: http://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/research-directories/researchers/professor-michael-fitzpatrick/

THE PROJECT

Applications are invited for a PhD Studentship, in partnership with the UK’s ISIS neutron source, to be held in the Faculty of Engineering and Computing at Coventry University. The studentship will investigate “Development and application of neutron transmission imaging for strain mapping in aerospace applications”.

Neutron transmission imaging makes use of the neutron beam that has been transmitted all the way through a sample. The information can be used to produce detailed images of the interior of an object, including knowledge of the different materials used in its fabrication: this makes it unique and distinct from conventional tomography techniques. In metallic components, the method can also be used to give information on the internal strains in the material, allowing a map of residual stress to be produced. Residual stresses can have a large effect on component behaviour, and knowledge of their distribution is vital for structural integrity calculations. New detector technologies allow the residual stresses to be mapped with very high spatial resolution indeed. A series of demonstrator experiments have been undertaken that have shown the potential of the method, but much work is still required to take full advantage of the available technologies. The next steps in its development are in improving the spatial resolution of the method and in refining the analysis approaches to maximize the utility of the data obtained.

The successful applicant’s PhD research will focus on two key areas: the development of the method, and its application to current problems in aerospace materials. The student will spend up to half their time at ISIS working on the technique development and experimental programme.

ABOUT THE CENTRE/DEPARTMENT

Our research in Manufacturing and Materials Engineering builds on our historic research strengths at Coventry, and adds new research teams through investment and growth. It integrates seamlessly with the Institute for Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering, our flagship collaboration with Unipart Manufacturing.

This area of research will take a holistic approach to fabrication and manufacturing, focusing on the three strands of Materials, Processes, and Products; and underpinned by our expertise in Metrology and Advanced Experimentation.

We aim to be the research partner of choice for manufacturing industry in adding value, effecting knowledge transfer, generating intellectual property, and raising new technologies from concept up through the Manufacturing Readiness Levels.

Our summary research themes:
• Process Control / Product Verification.
• Advanced Metrology and Experimentation
• Supply Chain Management
• Materials for Advanced Technologies
• Integrated Product Enhancement

How to apply: http://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/research-students/how-to-apply/

Link to CU page: http://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/research-students/research-studentships/development-and-application-of-neutron-transmission-imaging-for-aerospace-applications/