PhD with Novelis in Through Process Modelling for Sustainable Aluminium

This project is a joined initiative between Novelis and The University of Manchester.

The CDT in Advanced Metallics is a partnership between the Universities of Sheffield and Manchester and the I-Form Advanced Manufacturing Centre, Dublin. CDT students undertake the CDT training programme at all three locations throughout the 4-year programme.

Novelis is a world leader in the manufacture of technically demanding rolled aluminium products and in aluminium recycling. With a strong global presence, the company produces premium quality sheet and foil products for leading players in high-value markets, including automotive, transportation, packaging, architectural and printing. The strong growth in aluminium sheet in the automotive sector for light-weighting and emissions reduction is driving the need for material with higher performance across a range of properties.

Automotive sheet requires a demanding range of properties; it must be strong, formable, corrosion resistant, and have good surface appearance. Achieving these properties requires careful control of the microstructure during processing. Novelis have decades of accumulated experience that is used to optimize processing, but it would also be useful to have a predictive capability to simulate the link between microstructure and formability. This project will use crystal plasticity finite element modelling (CPFEM) as a framework to simulate the link between processing, microstructure, and formability. The simulations will be validated using forming trials using a new advanced forming press within the Sir Henry Royce Institute in Advanced Materials.

The project will involve computer simulation, experimental validation, and advanced electron microscopy to characterize microstructure. The project is directly linked to the business goals of Novelis, and will involve strong collaboration, including opportunities to spend time working at Novelis research facilities in Switzerland and the USA. Candidates with a background in materials science, engineering, or physical sciences with an interest in combining computer simulation with practical experiments are encouraged to apply.

The project is part of a large UK programme on light alloys (LightForm) – you will be joining the largest UK group of researchers working on light alloys alloys and will work in a vibrant team environment with lots of opportunity to interact with your peers, collaborate with other Universities and interact with industry.

Regular progress meetings will be held with staff from Novelis both to help guide the project and for Novelis to take the developments and incorporate within existing programmes. There will be opportunities to spend time working at Novelis research facilities, in Switzerland and USA. Assistance will be provided with accommodation for this period

For more information please contact Prof Joe Robson ([Email Address Removed]).