Prof X Zhou, Prof J Robson
No more applications being accepted
Competition Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)
About the Project
Applications are invited for a PhD place in corrosion-resistant high strength aluminium alloys research at The University of Manchester. Advanced aluminium alloys have a key role in the aerospace and automotive industries for structural components. This project is concerned with development of high strength aluminium alloys designed to provide better performance compared with existing alloys.
The project aims to understand the complex interactions between alloy chemistry, processing, microstructure and performance. The microstructure will be characterised by using advanced high resolution electron microscopy. The relationship between the fabrication process parameters and the microstructure of the alloys will be investigated. The assessment of performance will be based on the accelerated laboratory testing and electrochemical measurement. The newly developed electron-based nanotomography will also be employed to spatially determine microstructural features that are responsible for the initiation and propagation of alloy degradation.
This programme provides a unique opportunity to combine pioneering academic research with industrial experience. In addition to the access to state-of-the-art facilities, the student also has opportunity to develop interdisciplinary skills and to work in a team environment involving leading academics and industrial experts. The industrial collaborators will work closely with the student during the project and opportunities exist for gaining exposure to the industrial manufacturing route.
Funding Notes
Funding covers tuition fees and annual maintenance payments of at least the Research Council minimum (currently £14,296) for eligible UK and EU applicants. In addition to the standard EPSRC stipend, substantial extra maintenance is provided by the industrial sponsor. EU nationals must have lived in the UK for 3 years prior to the start of the programme to be eligible for a full award (fees and stipend). Other EU nationals may be eligible for a fees-only award.
Applicants should have or expect to achieve at least a 2.1 honours degree in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry or a related subject.