School of Materials
University of Manchester
Friction stir welding (FSW) has rapidly progressed from a laboratory technology to being widely used in the aerospace industry and beyond. This PhD project will focus on the application of FSW to advanced aerospace applications, and the optimization of the process through the development of computer models and novel experiments.
The student will be based in the world leading Light Alloy Processing group at the University of Manchester, but the project will involve extensive travel within Europe and beyond. Computer modelling, coupled with laboratory scale FSW experiments will be carried out at Manchester. Models will be tested by in-situ FSW experiments, performed on the new high-energy HARW-II beamline at DESY, Germany using the unique FlexStir FSW facility. Ex-situ studies will be performed using both synchrotron X-ray and high-resolution electron microscopy techniques.
The project will combine the use of state-of-the-art analytical techniques with computer modelling. Candidates are therefore particularly welcome who have a metallurgical, mechanical engineering, or engineering mathematics background. The project is supported by GKSS and will involve extensive travel opportunities including secondments to GKSS (Germany). The stipend will be commensurate with the standard EPSRC rate, which is £12940 (16405€) tax-free for 2008/9
Study information
- Qualification:
PhD
- Study duration:
3-years
- Study mode:
FT
- Start month:
October 08 - January 09
- Entry requirements:
At least a 2.1 UK Honours degree or equivalent international degree in materials science, physics, mechanical engineering, or related subject.
Funding information
- Funder:
GKSS
- Value:
£12940
- Funding applies to:
- Open to applicants from a range of countries
- Funding notes:
The project is supported by GKSS, provides tuition fees at the Home rate and the successful candidate will receive a stipend commensurate with the standard EPSRC rate for 2008/9, which is £12940 (16405€) tax-free. Applicants from outside the EU/UK are eligible to apply but must be able to make up the difference between the Home and Overseas tuition fee.
