Modelling the Role of Hard Particles in Hard Facing Alloys

Supervisory Team: Robert Wood, Georges Limbert and Dave Stewart (RRSL)

Project description:

Hard facing alloys, such as those used in nuclear power plant, are composite materials comprising carbides (and other hard phases), in galling resistant metallic matrices. Examples include the cobalt-based alloys, however due to cobalt activation by a neutron flux, iron-based hard facings are now in development and deployment.

Whilst the role of the matrix has been more extensively studied, the role of the hard phase is less well understood, but evidence suggests that increasing the hard phase content increases the galling resistance of the alloy – albeit at the expense of ductility etc.

This project aims to identify the role and mechanism by which hard phase support galling resistance to support the production of a microstructural model which allows the role of the hard phase to be investigated under a range of operating loads informed by experiments.

This project will be sponsored by Rolls-Royce Submarines, Derby and the student will receive invitations to their annual sponsored student conference. The student would have support to attend two international conferences and would gain skills in surface engineering, advanced experimental techniques, modelling and research-industry interactions. Also there will be opportunities for short placements / possible future employment with RR. The project will involve interaction with researchers at Imperial, Nottingham, Sheffield and access to rigs at the Henry Royce Institute.

Entry Requirements

A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent).

Closing date: 31 August 2025. 

Applications will be considered in the order that they are received, the position will be considered filled when a suitable candidate has been identified.

Funding: We offer a range of funding opportunities for both UK and international students, including Bursaries and Scholarships. For more information please visit PhD Scholarships | Doctoral College | University of Southampton Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis, so apply early for the best opportunity to be considered.

How To Apply

Apply online: Search for a Postgraduate Programme of Study (soton.ac.uk) Select programme type (Research), 2025/26, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, next page select “PhD Engineering & Environment Choose an item. (Full time)”. In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor Robert Wood

Applications should include:

Research Proposal

Curriculum Vitae

Two reference letters

Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date