CDT-SIS-161: Microstructure, properties and fatigue behaviour of multiple metallic materials manufactured by novel 3D printing technique.

Additive Manufacturing (AM) or 3D printing
is a process of manufacturing parts usually layer upon layer. The key advantage of AM is the ability to produce complex shaped functional metallic components that cannot be easily produced using conventional manufacturing methods. Up to now, there has been extensive research on AM of single metals, but little information is available for second-generation multiple materials additive manufacturing (MMAM). In fact, the most promising application of using high power laser is the possibility of integration of multiple materials into complex spatial locations, which cannot be achieved by any traditional manufacturing methods. This will offer a revolutionary approach for manufacturing ‘designed materials’ with properties and functions which do not currently exist.

The overall aim of this project is to establish the relationship between material, process, microstructure, mechanical property and fatigue behaviour of MMAM metallic components manufactured by a novel laser based powder bed 3D printing machine. The objectives of this research is to develop an understanding of the microstructure-property relationship of MMAM materials and the effect of pre- and post-processing treatments on structural integrity, especially the fatigue behaviour of MMAM materials. This will require manufacturing samples using the MMAM facility with subsequent characterisation and testing. Simulation and modelling of the processed alloys will also be considered as part of this work.

This 4 years doctoral training and research project is fully funded by EPSRC CDT-SIS (the Centre of Doctoral Training in Sustainable Infrastructure System) at the University of Southampton (UoS), Lloyd’s Register Foundation and NSIRC (The National Structural Integrity Research Centre) at TWI Cambridge. The studentship will provide successful Home/EU students with a stipend of £16k/year and will cover the cost of tuition fees. The project period will be split between UoS and NSIRC Cambridge. This project would suit a talent and motivated graduate with a first-class or upper second-class degree in an appropriate discipline, such as Metallurgy, Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Physics.

This project will be co-supervised by Dr Nong Gao (academic supervisor) from Engineering Materials Research Group, University of Southampton, and Dr Raja Khan (industrial supervisor) from TWI Cambridge. If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Dr Nong Gao:. Email: [Email Address Removed].

To apply, please use the following website:

http://www.southampton.ac.uk/engineering/postgraduate/research_degrees/apply.page?