The Influence of sheet conditions on the formability of aerospace materials at room temperatureEntry Awaiting Update by Supervisor

Cold sheet forming of titanium alloys is an important aspect of manufacturing processes for both aerospace and high-end automotive suppliers. The major industrial alloys typically used for sheet forming operations are commercially pure titanium (CP Ti, which is α alloy), β alloys and alloys containing both α and β phases (such as Ti-6Al-4V—Ti64).

The project investigation will focus on materials which have been identified as interesting for aerospace applications (e.g. Ti-50A). This study will develop significant understanding in the area of sheet formability at room temperature and analyse the correlation of the above parameters with sheet forming properties. The research will significantly contribute to fundamental understanding of the material behaviour as well as address important industrial requirements.

Improvement of the room temperature formability of commercially pure titanium through the optimisation of the surface roughness, edge conditions and lubrication mechanism via press brake, DD and ISF trials. Aims of the project;-

Understanding the influence of the type of single defect, its orientation and distribution over the part surface roughness; assessment of the influence of the surface roughness on the surface quality of a final product and on the forming limit of the material

Understanding the development of different values of edge surface roughness for selected cutting methods (water jet cut, EDM, laser cut) and the impact of deformed edge on the formability (press brake) of sheet material at room temperature; optimisation of the material formability via investigation of the influence of the cutting method on the striation formation and microstructural transformation

Understanding of the change of lubrication mechanism (boundary or boundary-hydrodynamic mechanism) with respect to the surface roughness for ISF and DD.

.The student should have a first or second class Honours degree (minimum 2.1) or an MSc in engineering, such as industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, engineering management or similar.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate enthusiasm, creativity, resourcefulness and a mature approach to learning. Collaboration with industrial partners will be required during the duration of the EngD in order to apply the findings of the research. Therefore it is expected that the candidate will be willing to be exposed to work with industrial partners.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate enthusiasm, creativity, resourcefulness and a mature approach to learning




For more information on the position, please e-mail [Email Address Removed]