Dr W Wen, Prof P Rivera
Applications accepted all year round
About the Project
A full PhD studentship on the multiscale modelling for materials design in Additive Manufacturing (AM). The project is led by Dr Wei Wen (Lecturer) and Professor Pedro Rivera at the Department of Engineering, Lancaster University, in collaboration with LPW. This research will focus on physics-based modelling and simulation adopting Crystal Plasticity to establish more comprehensive relationships between AM processes and the mechanical behaviour of metallic AM products. Simulation techniques at multiple length scale will be involved in this research. You will collaborate with colleagues at Lancaster University and LPW partners, and will be actively involved in meetings, workshops and conferences.
Project synopsis:
Metallic powder bed additive manufacturing (AM) technique has become an active research topic in recent years; it has attracted increasing attention from several manufacturing industries such as aerospace, automotive and medical devices. There is a worldwide need for material design methods for AM to improve the quality of fabricated components. However, AM industry it is facing a key challenge since many factors may be involved in its processes – each of them may strongly affect product microstructure and properties. In such scenario, addressing the Processing-Structure-Property-Performance (PSPP) relationships is deemed to be the pathway to optimise the chemical composition and fabrication processes to achieve the desired product.
The Engineering department at Lancaster University has launched a research project in collaboration with LPW, aiming to enhance our current understanding of the PSPP relationships during AM and develop a predictive alloy design and process optimisation strategy. This PhD research will focus on the modelling side of the project. The candidate will be required to numerically analyse the effects of chemical composition, powder production and selective laser melting (SLM) processes on the microstructure of the material. Physics-based polycrystal models will also be established to bridge the microstructure with macroscopic behaviour. Advanced simulation techniques at lower scale would be performed to identify and quantify the relevant mechanisms. Thereafter, the student will be expected to create a comprehensive database of the PSPP relationships of the target materials and provide valuable feedback to the material design and AM process optimisation. All the modelling studies will be based on the outcomes of material testing and characterization provided by other members of the project at Lancaster University and LPW.
Qualifications and experience:
• The minimum academic requirement for admission is an upper second class UK honours degree at the level of MSci, MEng, MPhys, MChem etc, or a lower second with a good Master’s, (or overseas equivalents) in a relevant subject.
• Background in thermokinetics and physical metallurgy is required.
• Knowledge in crystal plasticity and dislocation theory is preferred.
• A good basis in computer programming is essential for the post.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with ability to prepare presentations, reports and journal papers to the highest levels of quality.
• Excellent interpersonal skill to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary project area of research.
Closing date
Applications can be submitted until the post is filled.
Contact Us
We very much welcome informal queries about this opportunity, which should be directed to Dr Wei Wen ([Email Address Removed]), Lecturer at the Department of Engineering, Lancaster University.
How to apply
Applications should be made with a covering letter and CV via Lancaster University’s online application system (https://www.postgraduate-applications.lancaster.ac.uk/)
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Funding Notes
Full funding is available to UK/EU nationals only for 3.5 years; the rest of the candidates will have to find extra funding to cover the difference between UK/EU and overseas university fees. The student will receive a standard stipend of around £14.5k per year.