Understanding Creep Phenomena in graded 3D Printed Ni-Superalloys with locally modified microstructures

Understanding Creep Phenomena in graded 3D Printed Ni-Superalloys with locally modified microstructures

UoB Supervisor and School:

Prof. Moataz Attallah, AMP Lab, School of Metallurgy and Materials

BAM Supervisor and Division:

Prof. Birgit Skrotzki, Division 5.2 Metallic High-Temperature Materials

AM offers the unique option of producing components with locally modified characteristics. Previous work at UoB investigated the utility of the laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) AM technique in controlling Ni-superalloys microstructure to tailor local properties, especially for high temperature performance and mechanical anisotropy. Nonetheless, limited data exists generally on the high temperature mechanical behaviour of AM’ed Ni-superalloys, since standard mechanical testing requires large volumes of homogenous material, and more specifically on tailored or graded microstructures. The project will reveal the coupling of microstructural parameters to creep behaviour, the decisive factor for a high temperature application. To this end, the microstructure control procedures and respective testing procedures require a refined approach. At UoB, the student will use L-PBF to generate several microstructures from a Ni-superalloy (IN718) using local microstructural control. The materials will be exposed to heat treatments to create different post-processed microstructures. Corresponding creep examinations will be conducted at BAM, involving specimens with at least two microstructure states to study damage phenomena at the interfaces and transition zones. Creep testing will be combined with faster stress-relaxation tests to enhance the testing efficiency. Complementary in-depth microstructural characterisation will be performed to reveal the origins of locally different creep deformation. 

University of Birmingham (UoB) and the Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM) PhD Studentship

Level of Study: Doctoral Research

Subject Area: Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Physics

Nationality: UK and German Citizens Only

Deadline for Applying: Closing: 15.05.2023

The University of Birmingham's College of Engineering and Physical Sciences (UoB EPS) and the German Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung, BAM) are offering a co-funded PhD studentship, giving PhD candidates in chemical engineering, chemistry, and materials engineering subjects the opportunity to study alongside world-leading academics.

 BAM is a world-leading centre of excellence for “Safety in technology and chemistry” with responsibility to the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action. Uniquely positioned at the interface of science, technology, industry and policymaking, BAM integrates research, assessment and consultation within its five focus areas Analytical Sciences, Materials, Energy, Environment and Infrastructure, providing a crucial contribution to the technical safety of products and processes, development of industry and society.

 This studentship is aligned with BAM’s research priorities, providing students with an opportunity to contribute directly to the safety of strategic technologies. Each student will benefit from co-supervision by a senior BAM scientist who will work closely with the UoB academic supervisor to maximise the value of the joint studentship.

 Each PhD student will spend 21 months at UoB and 21 months at BAM (located in Berlin). This will allow students to utilize both UoB´s and BAM´s formidable facilities, and to enhance the research through access to the holistic network of senior researchers at both institutions.

 Value of Award

A fully funded studentship is available for Home/German students on this PhD programme for October 2023 start. During their time at UoB, students will receive a UKRI-rate Doctoral Stipend. During their time at BAM, students will receive a regular work contract.

Eligibility Criteria

The entry requirements are either:

-              An upper second-class honours undergraduate degree in a relevant subject.

-              An MSc/MRes/MEng in a relevant subject.

 How to Apply

Applicants must make their application through the Application Portal. Applicants are encouraged to contact prospective supervisors informally to discuss the project. Applications should include a statement of research interests. Please detail the supervisor and project title under the Research Information section of the application form.