Metallic 3D printing – additive manufacturing (AM) – is now being utilised to build large-scale titanium components for aerospace industries. The layer-by-layer approach of AM allows for convenient switching of the alloy feedstock mid-build, enabling dissimilar alloys to be deposited together without the need for detrimental fasteners and welds. High-performance aerospace components can therefore be designed with site-specific mechanical properties, making them more efficient, lighter, and cheaper.
However, due to the nature of large-scale AM, a millimetre-scale composition gradient forms between the dissimilar alloys. This creates an ‘alloy-alloy transition gradient’ with heterogeneous microstructures and micro-mechanical properties. The impact of these transition gradients is currently not well understood, and requires investigation and risk-assessing before this exciting technology can be considered for adoption into aerospace industries.
This PhD project will investigate the formation of the transition gradient microstructures in AM multi-alloy titanium test samples, determine the resultant micro-mechanical behaviour and the risks they pose, and mitigate these risks by intelligent design of heat treatments geared towards specific aerospace applications. This will involve use of the world-leading electron microscopy facilities at the University of Manchester to carry out in-situ mechanical-testing experiments in the microscopes, to produce high-quality and time-resolved data; as well as capturing 3D images of the microstructures of interest using laser and focused-ion-beam serial sectioning.
This research will be supported by the EPSRC NEWAM project consortium (https://newam.uk) that aims to revolutionise large-scale AM technology, with input from industry partners such as Airbus and Boeing. The consortium consists of the University of Manchester, Cranfield University, Coventry University, and the University of Strathclyde, bringing together expertise in materials and AM-process development, failure analysis, and preventative non-destructive testing.
Entry Requirements:
Applicants should have, or be expected to achieve, a good degree (UK 2:1 or 1st class equivalent) in a STEM discipline.
Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact. We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.
We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder).
How to apply:
You will need to submit an online application through our website here: https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-research/admissions/how-to-apply/ - ensure you mention 'DTA' and the title / supervisor of the project in the 'Research Details' section of the application.
On receipt of your application, you will be sent a short questionnaire by a member of the Admissions Team, this must be filled out and returned by 14th September 2023.
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