Dr J Fonseca
No more applications being accepted
Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)
About the Project
Titanium alloys are used in a wide variety of components throughout the fan and compressor stages of an aero-engine. Although engine design has evolved significantly in recent years to reduce life-cycle cost, reduce weight and improve efficiency, engine makers have continued to use the same, well-known alloys for which there are decades of experience and well established manufacturing routes. However, the limitations of these alloys are now hindering new designs, stimulating the development of new alloys with different microstructures and different property balances. The aim of the PhD project will be to understand the effects of the microstructure on the ductility of these new alloys and how they compare with the more standard alloys and microstructures currently used.
The project will combine advanced ductility testing [1], using in-situ deformation mapping at the macro and microscale [2-5] with advanced characterisation techniques, including high resolution scanning electron microscopy, synchrotron X-ray diffraction and 3D tomography. Computational models of microstructural deformation will also be applied to understand and interpret the experimental results.
The PhD project will suit a student interesting in learning metallurgy and in carrying out experiments at large scale facilities like synchrotron and neutron diffraction facilities in the UK, Europe and the US. The student will also develop (computational) data analysis workflows and to use and develop computational models and therefore strong computational skills are desired. At the very least, the student should have a strong motivation to develop these skills during the PhD.
Our research group has pioneered high resolution deformation mapping methodologies [2-5] and has developed tools for modelling deformation and studying it in-situ using neutron diffraction, in collaboration with international research groups [6]. In addition to working with Rolls-Royce and TIMET, LightFORM has ongoing collaborations with other aerospace companies like Airbus and BAE Systems. This project is therefore an excellent opportunity to do some excellent science whilst get exposure to working with some of the main players in the aerospace industry.
This project will be form part of LightFORM, a large collaborative EPSRC project with over 30 researchers, led by the university of Manchester, with partners at Cambridge University and Imperial College London. The project is sponsored by Rolls-Royce, an aero-engine maker, and TIMET, a titanium alloy producer.
Advanced Metallic Systems Centre for Doctoral Training
The Advanced Metallic Systems CDT is a 4-year programme hosted jointly by the universities of Manchester and Sheffield building on their complimentary expertise and international reputations in materials science and engineering research. In year 1, students from a range of disciplinary backgrounds undertake taught courses in core materials topics. PhD research begins after 6 months. Our transferable skills and personal development programme leads to a Diploma in Professional Skills. Visit our website for more information www.metallicsCDT.co.uk.
Funding Notes
Applicants should have or expect to obtain a first class, upper second class or postgraduate masters degree (Merit or above) in Physics, Chemistry or Engineering. Please contact us if you wish to discuss your suitability for the programme.
The four-year studentship includes tuition fees and a minimum stipend of £16,777pa, supported by Rolls-Royce and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council.
References
1. Orozco-Caballero, Alberto, Feng Li, Daniel Esqué-de los Ojos, Michael D. Atkinson, and João Quinta da Fonseca. Acta Materialia 149 (1 May 2018): 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actamat.2018.02.022.
2. Di Gioacchino, Fabio, and Joao Quinta da Fonseca. International Journal of Plasticity, 2015. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijplas.2015.05.012
3. Gioacchino, F Di, and JQ da Fonseca. Experimental Mechanics, 2013. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11340-012-9685-2
4. Lunt, D., T. Busolo, X. Xu, J. Quinta da Fonseca, and M. Preuss. Acta Materialia 129: 72–82. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actamat.2017.02.068.
5. Lunt, D., J. Quinta da Fonseca, D. Rugg, and M. Preuss. . Materials Science and Engineering: A 680: 444–53. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msea.2016.10.099.
6. Mani Krishna, K. V., D. G. Leo Prakash, Gábor Timár, Arnas Fitzner, D. Srivastava, N. Saibaba, J. Quinta da Fonseca, G. K. Dey, and M. Preuss. Materials Science and Engineering: A 650: 497–509. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msea.2015.10.047