Development of simulation models and design tools for additively manufactured high strength alloys with a focus on the structural integrity and durability

Eligibility: UK/EU/International
Tuition Fees + Bursary £15000 per year
Three years fixed term

PI: Prof Xiang Zhang: http://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/research-directories/researchers/xiang-zhang/

THE PROJECT

Additive Manufacturing (AM) & 3D-Printing (3DP) technologies have been developed rapidly in various medical and industrial sectors. This project will focus on AM-fabricated high-strength titanium or steel alloys for the aerospace and automotive applications, in which structural integrity is an important design and certification requirement. Current theory and analysis methods have been developed for the conventional alloys that have isotropic and homogeneous properties. The AM-fabricated alloys have anisotropic and inhomogeneous properties, distinctively different microstructural features, and manufacturing induced residual stresses; all of these can affect the fatigue and fracture properties.

The aim of this PhD project is to develop a physics-based numerical model to simulate the material defect and crack growth behaviour, taking account of the effects of material anisotropy, microstructural features and residual stresses. The main objectives are: 1) to conduct experimental tests to characterise the fatigue and fracture properties of this new class of materials; 2) to develop models and methods to evaluate the performance of AM fabricated components under the service loads.

ABOUT THE CENTRE/DEPARTMENT

Our research in Manufacturing and Materials Engineering builds on our historic research strengths at Coventry, and adds new research teams through investment and growth. It integrates seamlessly with the Institute for Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering, our flagship collaboration with Unipart Manufacturing.

This area of research will take a holistic approach to fabrication and manufacturing, focusing on the three strands of Materials, Processes, and Products; and underpinned by our expertise in Metrology and Advanced Experimentation.

We aim to be the research partner of choice for manufacturing industry in adding value, effecting knowledge transfer, generating intellectual property, and raising new technologies from concept up through the Manufacturing Readiness Levels.

Our summary research themes:
• Process Control / Product Verification.
• Advanced Metrology and Experimentation
• Supply Chain Management
• Materials for Advanced Technologies
• Integrated Product Enhancement

How to apply: http://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/research-students/how-to-apply/

Link to CU page: http://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/research-students/research-studentships/Development-simulation-models-and-design-tools-for-additively-manufactured-high-strength-alloys-with-focus-on-structural-integrity-durability/