Prof P Prangnell, Dr P Shanthraj
No more applications being accepted
Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)
About the Project
Project description With new manufacturing technologies like additive manufacturing (AM) it is possible to build components layer-by-layer from more than one material. This allows a unique opportunity to tailor properties in aerospace components; for example, to produce integral parts with a high temperature capability at one end and a higher strength or fatigue performance, or lower mass at the other. With AM this can also be performed while achieving a near-net-shape product, thus avoiding expensive tooling and machining costs.
A critical area of any such a material system will be the transition, or composition gradient, between the two alloys. In AM the width of this region depends primarily on control of the depth of re-melting and the level of dilution that occurs when adding the new material, but is also affected by interdiffusion in the solid state and during subsequent heat treatments. In some material systems significant metallurgical reactions can also occur within the region of composition gradient that were purposely avoided by choosing the compositions of the two parent alloys. This can lead to unwanted affects, such as interface embrittlement. In addition, the mechanical response of a graded system will be complex, with both residual stresses and load transfer possible which could lead to strain localisation and premature failure.
The project is with Airbus, a leading pan-European international company. The student will spend time with Airbus technical experts to gain an understanding of their commercial operation, and will link with the Airbus Centre of Metallurgical Excellence, a joint initiative between Airbus and The University of Manchester with ~20 researchers, for which Airbus hold an annual student conference to facilitate networking amongst their PhD students spread across Europe. For more information please contact Prof Philip Prangnell ([Email Address Removed]).
The duration of the PhD is 4 years.
Applicants should have or expect to achieve at least a 2.1 honours degree in a STEM subject.
Funding Notes
Fully Funded Project - Current UKRI stipend plus a top-up of £2,500 p.a. in year 1, and £3,500 p.a. in Years 2, 3, and 4, for UK and eligible EU students.
EU nationals must have lived in the UK for 3 years prior to the start of the programme to be eligible for a full award (fees and stipend).
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