ITP Aero Funded PhD - Characterisation of Thin Sheet and Foil Material Behaviour for Aerospace Forming Applications

Applications are invited for a PhD position at the University of Nottingham addressing the behaviour of thin foil materials for aerospace forming applications. The successful candidate will have a first-class or upper second-class honours degree in mechanical engineering or a related subject.

This studentship will attract a stipend of £20,480 for four years. The position arises from an engineering research relationship developing between the University of Nottingham and ITP Aero UK. The studentship will be hosted at the Institute for Aerospace Technology at the University of Nottingham and the candidate will sit within a community of PhD students at various stages of their study. The project will involve significant interaction with ITP Aero UK and will involve co-supervision with an industrial supervisor and it is also expected that the student will spend some time at the ITP Aero Hucknall site throughout the PhD.

Titanium and Nickel alloys are strategically important in aerospace due to their high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and high-temperature strength sustainability. Lightweight aerostructures with high shear strength, vibration damping, and acoustic attenuation are crucial for meeting strength and noise certification requirements in the aerospace industry. Certain thin wall elements of aerostructures are essentially made from high-strength foils in Titanium or Nickel alloys for reducing weight and improving engine fuel consumption.

Limited studies exist on hot forming or joining thin-wall Titanium and Nickel alloys at high temperatures. Due to the unique material behaviours of these sheets and foils (0.1 mm to 0.5 mm thick), controlling variables in the forming process is challenging. Characterising the mechanical behaviours of thin foils at elevated temperatures is crucial in defining the load capability of aerostructures during the forming and joining processes.

This PhD aims to characterise the material behaviours of thin sheets and foils (tensile, shear and creep effects) to improve the forming process and optimise process variables. Experimental methods for testing mechanical behaviours of thin foils in vacuum and inert environments will be explored. Based on the results, a constitutive material model including the creep effect (time, temperature and load dependencies) will be developed.

This project is available from 1^st October 2025. Applications accepted until post is filled. Informal inquiries can be made via email to Prof. Chris Bennett (c.bennett@nottingham.ac.uk).

Eligibility: Due to funding restrictions this position is only available to UK candidates.

Please apply here www.nottingham.ac.uk/pgstudy/how-to-apply/apply-online.aspx

When applying for this studentship, please include the reference number (beginning ENG and supervisors name) within the personal statement section of the application. This will help in ensuring your application is sent directly to the academic advertising the studentship.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The Faculty of Engineering provides a thriving working environment for all PGRs creating a strong sense of community across research disciplines. Community and research culture is important to our PGRs and the FoE support this by working closely with our Postgraduate Research Society (PGES) and our PGR Research Group Reps to enhance the research environment for PGRs. PGRs benefit from training through the Researcher Academy’s Training Programme, those based within the Faculty of Engineering have access to bespoke courses developed for Engineering PGRs. including sessions on paper writing, networking and career development after the PhD. The Faculty has outstanding facilities and works in partnership with leading industrial partners.

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