EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) PhD in Digital Metal with BAE Systems (Enhanced Stipend) Solid-state Additive Manufacturing of Nickel Aluminium Bronze alloys

EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) PhD in Digital Metal with BAE Systems (Enhanced Stipend)

Solid-state Additive Manufacturing of Nickel Aluminium Bronze alloys

Background

UK Applicants are invited to undertake a 4-year, enhanced stipend PhD studentship within the Digital Metal CDT https://digitalmetal-cdt.ac.uk/ at the University of Nottingham. The Centre for Excellence in Coatings & Surface Eng at Nottingham  https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/coatings/ is an international reference for all Cold Spray based activities. BAE systems provide some of the world's most advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions employing 100,000+ people. 

The PhD Project

This applied research project will aim to study the deposition of Nickel Aluminium Bronze (NAB) alloy with a relatively new family of solid-state Additive Manufacturing technologies, such as Cold spray. The nature of the process utilising low heat input and severe plastic deformation, produces ultra-refined microstructure exhibiting improved physical and mechanical properties. The main objective of this project will be to develop a mechanistic understating of the microstructural evolution of the Additive Manufacturing processed NAB material and any post-processing requirements to match and/or exceed the properties of traditional cast/heat-treated NAB. You will have the opportunity to develop a Digital Manufacturing process for Cold Spray with Artificial Intelligence, operate the AM machine, characterise the materials with scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy with tensile testing. As a part of a CDT cohort, you will have access to tailored courses, mentoring, career support and conference opportunities.  

Qualification:

This position is only open to UK students. The candidate must have at least an equivalent of a UK 2.1 class degree in materials/mechanical/ manufacturing/physics or any related discipline. This is an experimental research project based at the University of Nottingham. 

Funding: 

The PhD studentship will cover (1) Tuition fees at UK (Home) rates (2)  A tax-free stipend of up to £26,780 per annum (3) £4,000 Research training support grant 

Applications, with a detailed CV and a cover letter, together with the names and addresses of two referees, should be sent directly to Prof. Tanvir Hussain (tanvir.hussain@nottingham.ac.uk).  

Closing Date: 01 Aug 2025 Category: Studentships