Prof B Shollock
Applications accepted all year round
About the Project
Project Overview:
A fantastic opportunity to work with leading researchers in WMG’s Steels Processing Group at the University of Warwick.
This PhD project will identify the parameters necessary to develop a physically-based model of structural adhesive performance in automotive vehicles, and validate an initial model for adhesion failure. The development of the capability to model and predict structural adhesive performance over a vehicle life will increase confidence in adhesive performance, saving weight, cost and time.
Three structural materials (steel, Al, and CFRP) will be studied. The surfaces with and without chemical and physical pre-treatment will be characterised, with emphasis on chemistry and topography. Systematic studies will be used to determine the critical surface criteria for bond strength. The key parameters for optimised bond strength will then be explored and related to bond durability. An optimised adhesive testing process will be developed.
Bonded samples using current Jaguar Land Rover adhesives will be examined post mortem after NSS, stress humidity and thermal cycling. Analytical techniques will be used to identify the degradation mechanisms.
A physically-based model for bond failure for different substrates will be developed and validated with scope for the inclusion degradation mechanisms once identified. Focus will initially be on adhesion failure of the adhesive/substrate interface and will be validated by mechanical testing. Cohesive failure can be studied in samples with optimised interfaces.
Applicants with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in any of the physical sciences (chemistry, physics, engineering, materials science) are encouraged to contact Professor Barbara Shollock ([Email Address Removed]) for further information on of the project.
Funding Notes
Funding:
This position provides a tax free stipend of £14,553 plus £3,000 top up, per annum (for UK/EU nationals) for up to 4 years. Tuition fees will also be paid for UK/EU nationals.
Eligibility:
To be eligible for this project the successful applicant should have indefinite leave to remain in the UK and have been ordinarily resident here for 3 years prior to the project start-date, apart from occasional or temporary absences. Additional details of these criteria are available on the EPSRC website.
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