4 year Engineering Doctorate (EngD): Providing novel experimental methods to improve commercialisation of cutting fluids to aerospace manufacturing markets (Sponsors: Hangsterfer’s Labs and EPSRC)

Start Date: 3 September 2018
Stipend: Tax-free stipend of £18,000* per year, plus all tuition fees paid at UK/EU rates.

Project details
The aim of this project is to establish a test regime(s) that allow rapid identification of superior fluid performance in an accurate and timely manner. Previous research shows that this is achieved by production representative machinery and equipment, with lab standard experimental control. State-of-the-art test method(s) require design and development, that statistically relates coolant and process parameters to machinability outputs (tool life mean and variance, surface integrity, productivity). Furthermore, the research should identify the operating conditions that production sites should apply in order to maximise productivity with respect to coolants, thus improving the service that Hangsterfers can offer to their customers.
The underlying questions that prevent these objectives being achieved today relate to our limited understanding of chemical and mechanical interactions between cutting tools, cutting fluids, and work piece materials. A major obstacle is tackling the large number of variables involved in this multi-disciplinary field. As such, a design of experiment approach is highly recommended. This research will require an understanding of mechanical processing of aerospace grade metal alloys, including knowledge of chip formation processes, tool wear mechanisms and, perhaps most crucially, the cutting fluid chemistry. A good knowledge of statistics, design of experiments, experimental control and in process measurement will be essential to be able to evidence the influence of coolants on machining.

Applicants must have, or expect to get, a 1st or good 2:1 degree (or Masters with Merit) in a relevant science or engineering subject such as Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, or Physics. You should be enthusiastic about research with an interest in technology development and innovation in manufacturing.