Additive Manufacturing for critical application

Applications are invited for a fully funded PhD studentship (4 years) within the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Additive Manufacturing in the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Nottingham. http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/additivemanufacturing/.

Project Background

Additive manufacturing (AM) technologies are highly versatile, capable of producing components with previously impossible complex geometries. Currently, however, when AM is considered for the production of parts for critical applications (such as in the aerospace sector), they are limited by poor mechanical properties; largely as a result of porosity and lower material homogeneity than found in, for example, a wrought equivalent.

The project will consist several investigations, such as:
• The use of AM processes in order to produce test pieces which can be used for material characterisation (mechanical properties, fatigue strength, creep resistance, etc.)
• X-ray Computed Topography for identifying defects in the build samples as well as the monitoring of defect growth during mechanical testing
• Determination of improvements to the AM processes, as well as to the post-built processes (heat treatments, HIPing, etc.) which can be used to improve the structural integrity of the samples
• Microstructural investigations of the as build and tested samples

This is in alignment with the ambition of several high profile industrial companies in terms of their ambitions for the use of additive manufacturing and it is intended that the investigations be carried out on industrially relevant materials such as nickel-based super-alloys. This project is therefore a good opportunity to contribute to both of the rapidly advancing field of AM for critical application.

The successful PhD student will work alongside a team of other PhD students and post-doctoral researchers involved in related projects. This project is supported by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) though the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Additive Manufacturing at the University of Nottingham.

Eligibility
• Due to funding restrictions, the position is only available for UK and EU candidates
• Candidates must possess or expect to obtain, a 2:1 or 1st class degree in Engineering or Physical Sciences related discipline. Applicants with Mechanical and Materials Engineering background are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Candidates will be available to start on 1st October 2018.

How to apply
Please send a copy of your covering letter, CV and academic transcripts to [Email Address Removed] referring to the project title. Please note applications without academic transcript will not be considered.

Informal enquiries can be sent to Dr Christopher Hyde [Email Address Removed] .