4 year EngD: Simulation of Machining-Induced Surface Damage in Metal Cutting (sponsored by AMRC with Boeing and EPSRC)

Start date: 3 September 2018

Duration: 4 years

Stipend: Tax free stipend of £18,000 per year, plus all tuition fees paid at UK/EU rates.

Applications deadline: 30 April 2018

Please check eligibility requirements before applying.


Project Description

Current understanding of the capability for the simulation of machining-induced surface damage in advanced aerospace materials is still limited to correctly capture the underlying physics at the cutting interface. The EngD candidate will pursue to develop scientific foundations to explain interaction between a tool and a workpiece under high strain-rate deformation conditions, and its relation with the machining-induced surface damage. Additionally the newly developed hybrid modelling platform will consider the effect of material microstructural behaviour in order to assess the produced machined surface quality at meso and macro scale.



The EngD will cover key challenges in developing the simulation capability by generating:

Material characterisation at complex deformation regimes at high strain-stress data and high temperatures.

In situ measurements to identify friction coefficients within the framework of oblique cutting process.

Monitoring of cutting force and temperature measurements in specific machining tests to investigate possible correlations between primary process variables with the surface integrity responses. This will allow better understanding the relation of thermal and mechanical loads during machining and their effects on surface integrity and will help to generate empirical models.

The candidate will target the implementation of hybrid techniques, such as Finite Element (FE) + Artificial Neural Network (ANN), FE combined with statistical analysis as well as areas of novelty in using meshless methods for rapid simulations etc., in order to improve the modelling capability for prediction of machining-induced surface integrity.

Applicants must have, or expect to get, a good Masters-level degree (e.g. 1st or 2.i MEng degree or MSc with Merit) or an exceptional BEng, in a relevant science or engineering subject such as applied mathematics, statistics, physics, electrical and electronic engineering, systems and control engineering, mechanical engineering, materials science and engineering, or computer science.

Candidates must also be able show that their English language proficiency is at a level which allows them to successfully complete the EngD. All applicants require an English language qualification, typically a GCSE or an IELTS test (a score of 7 or above is required, with a minimum of 6 in each component).