[UK] PhD Studentship Modelling Microstructural Evolution During Friction Stir Welding
PhD Studentship: Modelling Microstructural Evolution During Friction Stir Welding
School of Materials University of Manchester
Friction stir welding (FSW) is a relatively recent solid state joining technique that has already found widespread application in industry sectors including aerospace, automotive, and ship-building. Increasing research and industrial interest is now focussed on using FSW to manufacture welds that are difficult or impossible to produce using conventional processes. This includes joining dissimilar metal combinations to produce hybrid structures, joining cast to wrought alloys, and joining new advanced lightweight magnesium alloys.
Modelling has been demonstrated to be a key tool in optimising the FSW process and prior or subsequent heat treatments to get the best microstructure and properties. This project will build on successful integrated FSW modelling work at Manchester applied to aerospace aluminium alloys and extend it to novel joint and material configurations. The project will involve both computer modelling and experimental validation including conducting welding trials and using electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction for microstructure characterisation.
The research student will join the friction stir welding research team at Manchester, utilising the instrumented FSW machine recently installed in the School of Materials. Modelling will focus on predicting the effect of the deformation and thermal field with FSW on the microstructure and hence properties of the welded region. This work will be carried out in collaboration with Cranfield University, who are developing a complementary process model to predict the thermal and material flow fields around the weld tool. The project will provide opportunities for travel both to present at international conferences and use advanced research facilities, such as European Synchrotron Radiation Facility at Grenoble.
Funding information
- Funder: EPSRC Doctoral Training Account (DTA)
- Title: Doctoral Training Account (DTA)
- Value: Home tuition fees and an EPSRC-level stipend of £12,600
- Funding applies to: UK applicants only
- Funding notes: If you are from UK / EU you can apply for funding for this studentship through the School’s EPSRC Doctoral
- Training Account (DTA). The award will provide Home tuition fees and an EPSRC-level stipend of £12,600.
Awards will be based on the merit of your application against the applications of other applicants. There is no deadline for applications, but the majority of funding will be allocated in June 08.
Funding duration: 3-years
Contacts and how to apply
Academic contact:
Joseph Robson
Email: joseph.robson@manchester.ac.uk
Tel: 0161 3063560
Administrative contact and how to apply:
Postgraduate Team, School of Materials
Email: pg-materials@manchester.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)161 306 4824
Please complete an online application form at www.manchester.ac.uk/postgraduate/howtoapply quoting the project reference number PhD/07/JR/01
