Prof J Robson, Prof P Prangnell
No more applications being accepted
Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)
About the Project
Aluminium alloys are used in defence owing to their high strength to weight ratio and relatively good corrosion performance. They are the material of choice for lightweight fighting vehicles, for main structure of small to medium sized patrol vessels, and superstructure of large ships such as frigates and destroyers. However there is always a compromise in properties; for example strength, weldability, corrosion resistance and environmental stability in harsh military environments. For example current armours get their strength from precipitation hardening, but this leads to relatively poor weldability and increased risk of stress corrosion cracking.
This project is part of a wider programme to develop a new family of alloys based on the Al-Mg system that are high strength, weldable, and do not suffer from sensitisation to corrosion. The project will involve performing electron microscopy, mechanical testing, and computer modelling to help develop, characterize, and understand the novel alloys. Based in the School of Materials at the University of Manchester, the student will join the world-renowned light alloy group, and have access to advanced research facilities including a suite of over 20 electron microscopes and the Manchester synchrotron beamline for in-situ studies.
The project is supported by DSTL (UK) as part of a collaboration with defence organizations and Universities in the USA and Australia, with opportunity to spend time working at the partner institutes during the PhD.
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 level degree in chemistry, physics materials science or an engineering discipline. 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 £16,553pa, supported by DSTL and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council..
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