“The effects of atomic solute clusters on the strength and plasticity of engineering alloys”

Supervisors:

Professor Christopher Hutchinson (Monash), Dr Sebastian Thomas (Monash)

Application deadline:

accepting applications immediately

Fully Funded PhD Project: open to students worldwide

About the project

Aluminium (Al) alloys are the second most used engineering alloy in the world today (after steels). They are used in applications where their the lightweight, environmental resistance or thermal/electrical conductivity properties are particularly important. As a result, we often find Al alloys used in transportation applications and with the electrification of transport, this use will continue to increase. Traditionally, Al alloys can be broken into two classes – the higher strength grades that contain precipitates (2xxx, 6xxx and 7xxx grades), and the lower strength grades that have excellent formability (3xxx, 5xxx). Each of the classes has their advantages and disadvantages – the alloys containing precipitates are stronger than those without, but the corrosion resistance and ductility of those without precipitates is usually better.

Recently, a new type of Al alloy was created by the supervisors [1] that is somewhat in between these two traditional classes. It is as strong as the precipitate strengthened alloys but the strength is provided high a high density of atomic scale clusters. It is perhaps better described as an inhomogeneous solid solution and exhibits some properties of both classes of traditional Al alloys.

This project is focussed on developing an understanding of the strength and plasticity of these new types of Al alloys that are strengthened primarily by clusters.

This project is conducted in collaboration with Dr Baptiste Gault at the Max Planck Institute (MPI) in Dusseldorf and the candidate will have the opportunity to visit and interact with the MPI during their candidature.

Interested candidates:

This project is open to students of any nationality although the ability to obtain a student visa to enter Australia is required. The candidate should have a 1st class Undergraduate or Masters degree (or equivalent) in Materials Science and Engineering, Metallurgy or a related discipline. A strong background in metallurgy, microstructural characterisation and/or mechanical testing is advantageous.

To express an interest please provide:

1. a curriculum vitae (CV) including your academic transcripts,
2. a cover letter summarising your research interests and suitability for the position, and
3. the contact details of two referees.

Please send to: Professor Christopher Hutchinson – [Email Address Removed], Dr Sebastian Thomas – [Email Address Removed]

https://www.monash.edu/engineering/christopherhutchinson

https://www.monash.edu/engineering/sebastianthomas

Living in Melbourne and the research environment at Monash University

Monash University is located in Melbourne, Australia. It is Australia’s largest University, ranked in the top 50 universities in the world, and the Department of Materials Science & Engineering (MSE) is the top-ranked MSE department in Australia. The successful applicant will be embedded within the Metallurgy & Corrosion Cluster which consists of ~8 academic staff members, ~ 70 PhD students and 30 post-docs. Whilst the student will be directly supervised by the academics listed above, they become part of a highly collaborative and collegial cohort of researchers where communication and interaction with other researchers and sharing of expertise and experiences is highly valued. The Metallurgy & Corrosion Cluster at Monash especially values and encourages diversity in its participants – diversity in all senses of its meaning. We recognise and value the contribution to science that arises from different opinions, from people of different backgrounds and experiences, and try to encourage this at every opportunity. As a result, our PhD students become highly competent researchers with excellent communication and teamwork skills and are highly sought after for post-doc positions at the most reputable research institutions in the word or future leaders in industry.

Metallurgy research Monash is one of the top-ranked fields of research at Monash and is one of the best known and highly ranked groups in the world (https://www.shanghairanking.com/rankings/gras/2020/RS0227). Monash has a wide range of world class infrastructure to support your research including the Monash Centre for Electron Microscopy (https://www.monash.edu/researchinfrastructure/mcem), the Monash X-Ray Platform (https://www.monash.edu/researchinfrastructure/x-ray), and co-located at Monash University is the Australian Synchrotron (https://www.ansto.gov.au/facilities/australian-synchrotron). All the facilities required for your project can be found at Monash.

Melbourne is the 2^nd largest city in Australia, with a population of ~4.5 million and is frequently voted one of the most liveable cities in the world (https://www.invest.vic.gov.au/why-melbourne/a-worlds-livable-city). It is the arts and culture capital of Australia and Melbournians are passionate about food, coffee, culture and sport. Melbourne is a highly multicultural city welcoming people from all around the world who have made Melbourne their home. This is reflected in the diverse cuisine and languages one can find when walking around Melbourne. Melbourne is a waterfront city located on Port Phillip Bay and intersected by gardens, walking and riding paths and within day trip driving distance to wine regions, surf beaches and countryside (the bush!). Melbourne hosts more than 5 large universities, leading to a large and lively student population and is the host to major international sporting events such as the Australian Open and the Australian Grand Prix.