PhD Studentship: Development of Formable Magnesium Alloys for Automotive Applications

PhD Supervisor: Dikai Guan

Supervisory Team: Dr Dikai Guan and Prof. P.A.S. Reed

Project description

In response to escalating environmental regulations, imperative actions are being demanded across industrial sectors to curtail carbon emissions. Magnesium (Mg) alloys, as the lightest structural metallic material, are becoming more popular in research and application areas where lightweight is urgently needed. For example, automotive roof panels, seat frames etc. Moreover, exploring new manufacturing methods that deliver Mg products with high manufacturing efficiency that align well with the “net-zero strategy” is equally important. 

This project aims to develop magnesium (Mg) alloys as the lightest structural material for automotive industries while promoting the reduction of carbon emissions towards net zero by addressing one main challenge in industrial applications: poor formability.

Three specific objectives are:

1. Evaluate the samples using micro-hardness, tensile test and immersion corrosion test as well as microstructure characterisation.
2. Investigate the alloys’ recrystallisation and mechanical behaviour.
3. Optimise the thermomechanical processing parameters to improve Mg alloys formability without sacrifice of the strength in the end.

The outcome of this project will largely expand the applications of light Mg alloys with high formability and reduce the product cost of Mg alloys.

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;
2. part of the Engineering Materials team and access to National X-ray Computed Tomography (NXCT) at the University of Southampton;
3. collaboration opportunities with our industry partners and academic collaborators;
4. Secondment position in an industrial partner subject to obtaining an excellent research outcome;
5. opportunity for paid PGR demonstrator experience, this will allow you to earn extra income and also could be used to support you for applying for Associate Fellowship awarded by AdvanceHE.

This Fellowship will strongly enhance your CV when you apply for the Lecturer across the world.

We are looking to recruit a graduate with a first or high 2.1 class honours degree or its international equivalent with a background in materials science, mechanical engineering, or a related discipline. Applicants from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply for this PhD studentship

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact the Primary supervisor Dr Dikai Guan, Engineering Materials Research Group, Email: dikai.guan@soton.ac.uk.

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 30 June 2024 for standard admissions, but later applications may be considered depending on the funds remaining in place.

Funding:

For UK and international students, Full home/overseas tuition fees and a stipend of £18,622 tax-free per annum for up to 3.5 years.

How To Apply

Apply online: Search for a Postgraduate Programme of Study (soton.ac.uk). Select programme type (Research), 2024/25, 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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