We invite you to join an exciting PhD project focused on transforming the manufacturing of high temperature nickel superalloys– crucial materials for aerospace and nuclear applications. These alloys, known for their exceptional high temperature mechanical properties, thermal stability and oxidation resistance, are hindered by their intrinsic high density. This project aims to design, test and understand architected superalloys for the next generation light weight aerospace applications.
A 3.5-year studentship is available for this project at the University of Birmingham (UoB), a global top 100 institution. The PhD will be supervised by Dr Yuanbo (Tony) Tang, with Dr Sophie Cox as a co-supervisor.
Why This Project?
This project will design, fabricate and test ultra-lightweight hollow architected alloys for high temperatures. The Achilles’ heel of heat-resistant metals is their significant density which hinders their applications for which minimal weight is needed: aeronautics, space exploration including satellites and land transportation. Additive manufacturing – sometimes known as 3D printing – will be used to manufacture geometrically complex structures. This project will exemplify the vision of architected materials application for high temperatures by leveraging the recent developments in printable superalloys.
What You Will Do:
As part of this project, you will be testing the mechanical and oxidation behaviour of architected superalloy, an emerging interdisciplinary field. Using a bespoke multi-axial mechanical testing system and advanced microscopy, you will unravel the complexity of structural behaviour at multi-length scale, such as creep contribution, texture, rapid phase transformation and work towards developing predictive models to describe their behaviour.
Collaborative Opportunities:
You will be part of a fast-pacing, dynamic and inclusive research group at the University of Birmingham, collaborating with renowned academic partners at UT Austin and with industrial partners including Siemen Energy, Rolls-Royce, Alloyed Ltd and MTC, providing invaluable insight into real-world applications. There is a possibility to conduct research internship with one of the industrial partners during the PhD.
Why Choose This PhD?
· Innovative research: Play a key role in advancing manufacturing technology for materials critical to space, aviation, and nuclear industries.
· Cutting-edge resources: Access to world-class equipment and methodologies to conduct your research.
· Global collaboration: Join a vibrant international research network, with opportunities to collaborate with top universities and leading industry players.
· Career prospects: Gain expertise in high-demand, interdisciplinary fields, and make connections that will shape your career.
Who we are looking for:
1. Motivated, inquisitive, and passionate about manufacturing and metallurgy.
2. Have obtained (or will obtain) a first-class or upper-second-class degree in materials science, mechanical engineering, condensed matter physics, or a closely related field.
3. No prior experience in experimental or modelling work is required – we welcome motivated candidates eager to learn and grow in the field. However, prior exposure to characterisation techniques, additive manufacturing, powder metallurgy, or modelling will be an advantage.
How to apply:
Please send a covering email to Dr Yuanbo (Tony) Tang (y.t.tang@bham.ac.uk) to explain your motivation and attach the following.
1. Resume (CV)
2. Academic transcripts