Prof M Fitzpatrick, Dr V Janik, Dr W Yuefan
No more applications being accepted
Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
About the Project
Coventry University and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research in Singapore (A*STAR) are inviting applications from suitably qualified UK/EU/international graduates for one fully-funded PhD studentship for the project ‘Laser shock and shot peening induced surface nanocrystallisation’. By engaging in research in the United Kingdom and Singapore, the programme offers researchers the opportunity to access to the state-of-the-art research facilities and advance their knowledge and expertise in the fields of materials and manufacturing engineering, whilst developing their intercultural skills and making international networks and collaborations.
The Research Project
Laser shock peening (LSP) and shot peening (SP) can largely improve the fatigue performance of metallic components by introducing compressive residual stress. Upon the peening process, high energy impacts the surface of the component in a manner of laser shock wave or large amount of small spherical peening media following by movement, formation and rearrangement of defects, such as dislocations and twins. This leads to the possible generation of new grain boundaries and grain refinement. It has been demonstrated that the improvement in mechanical properties and fatigue life of the metal alloys is related to the defects and microstructural variation incurred by the peening process. However, the grain refinement evolution behaviour and mechanism under peening is still unclear. This is critical for materials surface engineering and its practical applications, such as additive manufacturing industrialization.
The objective of this PhD programme is to investigate the mechanism of the grain refinement during the LSP and SP process using various characterisation techniques. This programme will provide useful insights for surface nanocrystallisation from the fundamental point of view. The scopes of this programme include the following:
• Conduct comprehensive literature studies on recent development and prior arts in surface nanocrystallisation induced by LSP and SP
• Carry out systematical study on the effect of peening parameters and material properties on grain refinement behaviour of LSP and SP using scanning / transmission electron microscopy (SEM / TEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), electron back scattered diffraction (EBSD), etc.
• Develop a solid understanding of the correlation between the grain refinement behaviours of (additive manufactured) metal alloys and their fatigue performance through a combination of experiments as well as computational modelling.
• Demonstrate the criteria in engineering and optimizing the metallic component by LSP and SP processes to favour their fatigue performance and mechanical properties.
How will the joint programme work?
The successful candidate will enrol at Coventry University, UK as their home institution and will spend up to 2 years at the A*STAR Advanced Remanufacturing and Technology Centre (ARTC).
A typical 4-year pattern of attendance is shown below, although the actual plan of study and timings at each location will be developed in the light of the details of the proposed research project as defined in the early stages of the project, and with the mutual agreement of the supervision team.
Year 1 Coventry Uni, UK
Year 2 ARTC Singapore
Year 3 ARTC Singapore
Year 4 Coventry Uni, UK
Each studentship will include:
• full tuition fees
• a stipend for up to 4 years (c.a. £15000/year) subject to satisfactory progress
• a one-time airfare to and from Singapore
• a one-time settling-in allowance in Singapore
• medical insurance for the period in Singapore
• conference allowances
Other Benefits
• Throughout the programme the candidates will have a joint supervisory team and work in close collaboration with industry stakeholders in both UK and Singapore.
• The successful candidates will receive comprehensive research training including technical, personal and professional skills at the Doctoral College and Centre for Research Capability and Development at Coventry University: https://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/research-opportunities/doctoral-college-and-centre/
Entry Requirements
• A minimum of a 2:1 undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering or Solid State Physics, with a minimum 60% mark in the project element or equivalent with a minimum 60% overall module average;
• In the event of an undergraduate degree classification of less than 2:1, a Master’s Degree in a relevant subject area as mentioned above will be considered as an equivalent;
• The Masters must have been attained with minimum overall marks at merit level (60%). In addition, the dissertation or equivalent element in the Master’s Degree must also have been attained with a minimum mark of merit level (60%);
• Minimum English language proficiency of IELTS Academic 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component, if you are an EU (non-UK) or international applicant.
For further details see: https://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/research-students/making-an-application/
Desirable Specifications
o The potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within 4 years;
o Previous experience, through project work, of stress analysis or materials characterization would be advantageous (SEM, EBSD, TEM);
o Knowledge of related software desirable: MS Office, Origin, Matlab, and/or ABAQUS.
o Ability to think innovatively and critically analyse data and results;
o Good written and oral communication skills;
o A record of presenting papers at conferences and of publishing peer reviewed research papers (desired);
o Ability to work independently and also as part of a local and international multidisciplinary team;
o Willingness to take on roles to enhance research team activities and profile.
How to apply
Enquiries: Informal enquiries are essential before application; please contact Professor Michael Fitzpatrick ([Email Address Removed]), Dr Vit Janik ([Email Address Removed]) Coventry and Dr Wei Yuefan [Email Address Removed]) at A*STAR
To apply on line please visit: https://pgrplus.coventry.ac.uk/
Start date: September 2020
Duration of study: Full-Time – up to 4 years fixed term
Interview dates: Will be confirmed to shortlisted candidates
Enquiries
Informal enquiries are essential before application; please contact Professor Michael Fitzpatrick ([Email Address Removed]), Dr Vit Janik ([Email Address Removed]) Coventry and Dr Wei Yuefan ([Email Address Removed]) at A*STAR
Funding Notes
Coventry University and A*STAR jointly offer one (01) fully-funded PhD studentship to UK/EU or international applicant as part of the A*STAR Research Attachment Programme (ARAP).
Full fee waiver
c.a. £15,000pa
• One-time return airfare to Singapore
• One-time settling-in allowance in Singapore
• Medical insurance for the period in Singapore
• Conference allowances