Study of strain based low cycle thermal fatigue

Thermal fatigue damage is a common problem in pressure vessel industries where components are subject to fluctuations of service temperatures. Welded joints often represent the critical locations. Although a considerable number of investigations have been carried out on the thermal fatigue behaviour of welds, the study on dissimilar welds is limited and relevant data is sparse. There is a strong demand in industry to understand thermal fatigue behaviour of dissimilar welds and to develop a generic method for fatigue life assessment under thermal cyclic loading.

PhD Scope
• Carry out thermal fatigue tests of specimens containing a dissimilar weld (austenitic stainless steels)
• FE analysis of the stress states in the weld under thermal cyclic loading, especially near the fusion lines.
• Develop a methodology which can be used for assessing thermal fatigue of dissimilar welds under thermal cyclic loading.

PhD Expected Outputs
• Generate iso-thermal low-cycle fatigue (LCF) data of a dissimilar weld
• Develop a generic method for fatigue life assessment of dissimilar welds under thermal cyclic loading.

A number of fully-funded PhD scholarships are available for suitable candidates with a strong interest in fundamental and applied research in the area of structural integrity. Scholarships cover an amount to £16,000 per annum for 3 years, Home/EU tuition fees and support for research. Overseas applicants are welcomed, with total funding capped at £20k/year.

Candidates should have a relevant degree at 2.1 minimum, or an equivalent overseas degree in mechanical, Electrical/Electronics or Civil/Structural Engineering, Material Science, Metallurgy or Physics. Candidates with suitable work experience and strong capacity in numerical modelling and experimental skills are particularly welcome to apply. Overseas applicants should also submit IELTS results (minimum 6.5) if applicable.

To apply, please send your CV and transcript of university study, with a cover letter specifying your interest and research topic to the following email address: [Email Address Removed]
Please direct general enquiries to: [Email Address Removed]

About NSIRC
NSIRC will be a state-of-the-art postgraduate engineering facility established and managed by structural integrity specialist TWI, working closely with lead academic partner Brunel University, the universities of Cambridge, Manchester, Loughborough, Birmingham, Leicester and a number of leading industrial partners. NSIRC aims to deliver cutting edge research and highly qualified personnel to its key industrial partners.

For more information about The National Structural Integrity Research Centre, visit www.nsirc.co.uk