PhD Studentship: Post-processing of additively manufactured magnesium alloys

Project description

Additive manufacturing can significantly refine the grain size. However, the mechanical properties including hardness, strength and ductility of these additive manufactured samples are not comparable to the samples produced by traditional extruding, forging or even casting processing.

This project aims to post-process additive manufactured magnesium alloy blocks produced by using three different techniques: selective laser melting (SLM), Additive Friction Stir Deposition (AFSD) and Friction Surfacing Additive Manufacturing (FSAM), ultimately to improve the mechanical properties of as-received additive manufactured Mg samples.

Four specific objectives are:

(1) Employ SLM/AFSD/FSAM to develop different series of samples using various processing parameters.

(2) Evaluate the samples using micro-hardness, tensile test and immersion corrosion test as well as microstructure characterisation. Micro XCT will be used to investigate the porosity of the additive manufactured samples.

(3) Optimise heat treatment parameters to maximise the precipitation hardening response, which restrict the grain growth and internal defect propagation.

(4) Based on the results, optimise the additive manufacturing processing parameters and develop high relative density Mg alloy samples (e.g., >99%) with ultrafine grains and weak texture.

The outcome of this project will largely expand the applications of light Mg alloys with high toughness and corrosion resistance into industrial sectors where lightweight components are required, leading to increased fuel economy and reduced carbon emissions. In addition, Mg alloys produced by additive manufacturing can be used as biomaterials (e.g., implants) with complex geometries, significantly reducing the manufacturing time and cost for implants as multiple steps of conventional machining may be removed.

Besides standard PhD training, this project will provide training experience including 1) solid training in light alloy metallurgy, advanced electron microscope characterisation and microstructure analysis at the Department of Materials Science and Engineering; 2) close collaboration with the Solid State Materials Processing Department at Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon (https://www.hereon.de/institutes/materials_mechanics/solid_state_materials_processing/index.php.en); 3) part of the Engineering Materials team and access to National X-ray Computed Tomography (NXCT) at the University of Southampton; 4) collaboration opportunities with our industry partners and academic collaborators; 5) Several opportunities to visit our industry and academic partners.

We are looking to recruit a graduate with a first or high 2.1 class honours degrees  or its international equivalent with a background in materials science, mechanical engineering, or a related discipline. Knowledge and experience in additive manufacturing, light alloys processing are particularly beneficial

Entry Requirements

A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent).

Closing date: applications should be received no later than 07 May 2023 for standard admissions, but later applications may be considered depending on the funds remaining in place.

Funding: For UK students, Tuition Fees and a stipend of £17,668 tax-free per annum for up to 3.5 years.

How To Apply

Click the 'Apply' button above to page: Search for a Postgraduate Programme of Study (soton.ac.uk). Select programme type (Research), 2023/24, Faculty of Physical Sciences and Engineering, next page select “PhD Engineering & Environment (Full time)”. In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor Dikai Guan

Applications should include:

Research Proposal

Curriculum Vitae

Two reference letters

Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date

For further information please contact: feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk

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