Prof R Ainsworth
Applications accepted all year round
About the Project
Industrial Sponsor: Frazer-Nash Consultancy Limited
This project is available via the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Materials for Demanding Environments (M4DE)
Background
We have supported EDF Energy in the application of the R5 Vol. 2/3 creep-fatigue initiation procedure over the past 14 years and as a result, have developed a thorough understanding of the issues with the existing procedure. Following discussions with EDF Energy, we have identified further development of the characterisation of elastic follow-up (creep strain behaviour under mixed loading conditions) as a topic that could provide an ideal basis for a PhD. Principally, the reasons for this are; (a) elastic follow-up significantly influences the assessment outcome, (b) no targeted research within the R5 Development Programme at present and (c) the procedure provides limited practical advice for assessing it.
Project Outline
The principal aim of the research will be to gain a better understanding of elastic follow-up under creeping conditions in order to (a) accurately quantify and (b) provide practical guidance for assessing it, for use in creep-fatigue initiation assessments. To achieve the above, it is anticipated that the objectives of the research should be:
1. Review the current state of the art for characterising and assessing elastic follow up under creeping conditions and determine/develop practical approaches for accurately assessing it.
2. Review components that are prone to creep-fatigue initiation damage across a range of relevant industries to identify a range of topologies and geometries (including welds) for which elastic follow-up could be usefully characterised.
3. Produce practical guidance for assessing the level of elastic follow-up considering various load combinations and available material property data that can be incorporated into R5 Vol. 2/3.
4. Produce a verified compendium of elastic follow up factors for a range of component topologies and geometries that can be incorporated into R5 Vol. 2/3 as guidance for practitioners.
About Frazer-Nash Consultancy
Frazer-Nash is a multidisciplinary engineering consultancy that works across a diverse range of industries including civil nuclear, aerospace, oil & gas, defence, power and transport. With over 600 staff based in eight UK and three Australian offices, we provide the following services to a broad range of clients: structural and thermo-fluid analyses, mathematical modelling, safety, reliability, systems engineering, EC&I, human factors and business resilience. We have a strong reputation for providing high quality and timely solutions to complex problems. We aim for sustainable growth through long-term relationships with our clients and the development of new services. We aspire to be the first choice for our customers and our people.
Note: this project is restricted to UK nationals.
Funding Notes
This project is funded by EPSRC, the University of Manchester and our Industry partners. Funding is available to UK candidates. EU candidates are also eligible for certain projects. The successful candidates will have their fees paid in full and will receive an enhanced maintenance stipend.
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