Dr S Barnes, Prof M E Newton
Applications accepted all year round
About the Project
Smart tool technology offers a huge range of advantages in machining - higher throughput, more consistent finish, more predictable tool life, and new machining capabilities in terms of geometries and mixed material workpieces. In both polycrystalline diamond (PCD) and polycrystalline cubic boron nitride (PcBN) cutting tool applications, a key parameter in tool/process failure is the temperature of the cutting tool. This is particularly true in dry machining applications. Modern polymer composite materials may need to be dry machined to avoid workpiece damage and control of cutting temperature is a major process limitation. Current smart tool development is focused on adding sensors, either to the tool holder or printed on the tool. This technology can be substantially limited by the remoteness from the actual cutting edge.
The luminescent, Raman and other optical properties of diamond, PCD and PcBN materials offer unique opportunities to make temperature and force measurements close to the cutting edge, but fundamental research is required to find the most practical and valuable solutions.
This PhD will assess the accessible properties of diamond, PcBN and PCD tools for making useful measurements during cutting, develop solutions to utilising these properties in practical applications, and then use the data provided by the tools to develop our understanding of the cutting applications themselves, enhancing the overall cost effectiveness of precision machining. This project is jointly funded by the DST CDT and Element Six, and the work at Warwick will be carried out in collaboration between the Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) and Physics. As this field is wide open at present, the PhD student will be able to substantially influence the direction of the project, contribute to a real market application, quite possibly develop new Intellectual Property, and become skilled at expert level in what will be a crucial area of engineering science over the next 20 years.
This project is part of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Diamond Science and Technology (www.DST-DTC.ac.uk) and includes a specially-designed one year MSc course at the University of Warwick which also includes two MSc mini-projects at Element Six and Aberystwyth University. These mini-projects relate to the PhD project.
This project is suitable for a student with a background in the physical sciences and the successful applicant will have a minimum of a 2:1 first degree in a relevant discipline/subject area.
For further details please contact Dr Stuart Barnes ([Email Address Removed]) and/or Prof Mark Newton ([Email Address Removed]). Group website: go.warwick.ac.uk/diamond
Funding Notes
The DST CDT provides funding for the four-year programme to UK and EU students (non-UK EU students must have resided in the UK for three years prior to the start of their course in order to be eligible).
These 4 year studentships pay a stipend to cover maintenance as well as paying the university fees and provide funding for mini-project, PhD travel expenses and research support. The stipends are at the standard research council rates.
In exceptional cases for outstanding candidates funding may be available to overseas students.
Further information is available at http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/dst/about_dstcdt/how-to-apply
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