Coventry University (CU) is inviting applications from suitably-qualified graduates for a (fully-funded) PhD studentship in the area of high entropy alloy development and modelling in collaboration with Metalysis.
Meeting requirements of zero carbon emissions in aviation and higher efficiency in nuclear and energy industries requires developing novel materials with superior properties, reaching higher temperatures whilst maintaining essential material properties. This enhances efficiencies in high temperature applications. High entropy alloys (HEA) a recently discovered class of materials, consist of a single-phase disordered solid solution of five or more components exhibiting high strength and low plasticity at elevated temperatures.
Having elements with different melting temperatures, refractory HEA (RHEA), cannot be manufactured by conventional techniques. Characteristics, properties, and behaviour of industry-scale RHEAs are largely unknown. To manufacture high-quality products from powders a deeper understanding/ quantification of material behaviour is required.
This work will use advanced characterisation techniques and modelling capabilities in CU to obtain quantitative material’s information and build an initial numerical model, which will enable development and optimisation of a suitable manufacturing process, and identification of new applications.
The project is in collaboration with Metalysis and the successful candidate will be required to work closely with leading academic and industry researchers within these areas.
Training and Development
The successful candidate will receive comprehensive research training including technical, personal and professional skills.
All researchers at Coventry University (from PhD to Professor) are part of the Doctoral College and Centre for Research Capability and Development, which provides support with high-quality training and career development activities.
The candidate will also have the opportunity for an extended placement at industry research labs to develop their technical expertise and make valuable links across the metal powder industry.
Entry criteria for applicants to PhD
- A bachelor’s (honours) degree in a relevant discipline/subject area with a minimum classification of 2:1 and a minimum mark of 60% in the project element (or equivalent), or an equivalent award from an overseas institution.
PLUS
- the potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within 3.5 years
- An adequate proficiency in English must be demonstrated by applicants whose first language is not English. The general requirement is a minimum overall IELTS Academic score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each of the four sections, or the TOEFL iBT test with a minimum overall score of 95 with a minimum of 21 in each of the four sections.
For further details please visit:
https://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/research-opportunities/research-students/making-an-application/research-entry-criteria/
https://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/research-opportunities/research-students/making-an-application/
Additional items for candidate specification:
- A first degree in maths, physics, chemistry or materials or a closely-related discipline is essential.
- A Masters-level degree or equivalent experience in any of the above would be advantageous.
- Computer modelling skills, particularly experience with heat transfer modelling
- Ability to work closely with both industrial and academic researchers and present complex technical ideas to a range of different stakeholders.
- Knowledge of physical metallurgy, thermodynamics and/or Thermo-Calc would be advantageous.
- Experience of metallic material characterisation would be advantageous.
How to apply:
All applications require full supporting documentation, a covering letter, plus a 2000-word statement showing how the applicant’s expertise and interests are relevant to the project. To find out more about the project please contact Dr Masoumeh Faraji at [Email Address Removed].
To apply on line please visit: https://pgrplus.coventry.ac.uk/
The PGR+ Link for this project is https://pgrplus.coventry.ac.uk/studentships/cgfm-trailblazer-development-of-industry-scale-new-high-entropy-alloys-for-extreme-conditions-assisted-by-material-characterisation-and-numerical-modelling
Details of all available research opportunities at Coventry University can be found via
https://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/research-opportunities/
Eligibility: UK/International (including EU) graduates with the required entry requirements
Start date: September 2022
Duration of study: Full-Time – between three and three and a half years fixed term
Application deadline date: 29th April 2022
Interview dates: Will be confirmed to shortlisted candidates
Enquiries may be addressed to: Dr Masoumeh Faraji, [Email Address Removed]