The Finish Machining of Additively Manufactured (AM) Nickel Super-alloy Components

An EPSRC iCase Studentship with Renishaw Plc.

Nickel-based super alloys are advanced materials which can withstand high temperatures. They are extensively used in high-temperature applications such as in jet engines and oil&gas applications. The material properties which makes nickel super alloys ideal for specific applications are also responsible for difficulties in manufacturing processes. Additive manufacturing (AM) has revolutionised how parts are designed and manufactured. However, there are key remaining issues making a barrier for full adoption of AM at industrial scale. Finishing of the AM parts is one of these major issues.

A new project is commencing at the University of Bath in collaboration with Renishaw Plc. This project identifies the key grades of Nickel Super-alloys and investigates their post-AM machining requirements. This includes developing the material model for machining simulation, simulation of machining processes using Abaqus, investigating the material cutting mechanism and analysing chip formation. As part of this studentship, you will have access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities at the University of Bath which includes CNC machines, various microscopes including Alicona 3D microscope and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Cryogenic machining and minimum quantity lubrication systems and metal additive manufacturing machine. This project has a good balance between analytical and experimental work during the project’s lifetime.

The Advanced Machining Processes and Systems team has a track record of research in manufacturing systems and is leading research in cryogenic machining, tool design and novel solutions for machining processes for specialist alloys and composites.

Application:

The successful applicant will ideally have graduated (or be due to graduate) with an undergraduate Masters first class degree and/or MSc distinction (or equivalent). The successful candidate should have a background in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related disciplines. Candidates whose first language is not English should have an IELTS score of 6.5 (minimum 6.0 in each module) or equivalent.

The candidate will join an established community of doctoral researchers and benefit from support from internationally leading academic supervisors and expert industry practitioners and opinion leaders. Successful candidates will emerge with highly sought-after multidisciplinary skills and an international reputation for excellence in continuous manufacturing and crystallisation research.

If you are interested in this position, please contact Dr Alborz Shokrani for further information, [Email Address Removed]

Due to the funding regulations, this position is only available for UK and EU candidates.

Formal applications should be made via the University of Bath’s online application form for a PhD in Department of Mechanical Engineering. Please ensure that you state the full project title and lead supervisor name on the application form.

https://samis.bath.ac.uk/urd/sits.urd/run/siw_ipp_lgn.login?process=siw_ipp_app&code1=RDUME-FP01&code2=0013

More information about applying for a PhD at Bath may be found here:
http://www.bath.ac.uk/guides/how-to-apply-for-doctoral-study/


Expected start date: 16th September 2019