Fabrication of aerospace components involves joining of titanium alloy parts. The techniques of Linear Friction Welding (LFW) and Electron Beam Welding (EBW) welding are considered, as they offer the perspective of rapid and cost-effective fabrication of components. LFW is an established technology for the manufacturing for light alloys in the aerospace sector (e.g. blisks for aero-engines). However, the performance in-service of the manufactured titanium alloy components is yet to be explored. EBW on the other hand, is emerging as a promising technique, with its applicability is yet to be demonstrated.
This PhD project is supported by Safran Landing Systems and aims to use a leading, multi-scale weld modelling approach combined with inputs from welding experiments, advanced characterisation techniques and residual stress measurements, aiming to understand the effect of LFW and EBW on the resulting component’s performance. Pre/post-weld heat treatment will have to be thoroughly investigated, including modelling of various post-weld heat treatment scenarios.
Welding simulation requires a suite of modelling techniques that are dependent on the length scale, the relevant physical mechanisms, and the outputs required. These further divide into the physically representative models described below and the reduced models that we optimise for parametric analysis or engineering studies. In this project, the group’s established continuum finite element (FE) modelling capability for predicting welding residual stress, distortion, temperature, and metallurgical fields in steels will be extended to the titanium alloying system. A phase-field weld modelling capability will optionally be used if required, to encompass LFW/EB physical phenomena.
Although this project is mainly focused on modelling and simulation, involvement in experimental procedures will be inevitable, offering the opportunity to work in facilities including the Henry Royce Institute and TWI in Cambridge
This project will benefit from the experience, the experimental data, models and code accumulated through various successful research projects, including the EPSRC-funded NNUMAN programme, BEIS-funded projects on Industrialisation of EBW, and the NET Network on Neutron Techniques Standardization for Structural Integrity.
The multi-disciplinary nature of the project requires a good understanding of engineering principles, manufacturing processes, continuum mechanics, finite element analysis (FEA), material science, programming.
Please contact Dr Vasileiou at [Email Address Removed] with any informal queries about the research topic. The admissions team at [Email Address Removed] will be able to help with any queries around the application process.
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