PhD Studentship: Phase Changes in Rapidly Heated Steel Sections

Funding for: UK

Supervisors: Dr Konstantinos Georgarakis 

Rapid heating processes such as induction heating are increasingly used in modern and sustainable manufacturing, offering reduced energy consumption, shorter processing times, and improved material efficiency compared with conventional heat treatments. However, the fundamental metallurgical processes that occur during rapid induction heating - particularly phase transformations and the diffusion and distribution of alloying elements - are not yet fully understood. This PhD project aims to address this gap by studying phase change behaviour in rapidly heated steel sections.

The project will focus on steels (plain carbon, high carbon and HSLA) heated above their austenitising temperature under short, high-rate thermal cycles representative of industrial processing routes. The student will investigate how variations in induction-heating parameters, including frequency, current and heating rate influence phase transformations, alloying-element redistribution, and resulting microstructures. Advanced microstructural and compositional characterisation techniques will be used, alongside mechanical testing, to link processing conditions to material performance. Alternative methods of rapid heating such as additive manufacturing and flow forming will also be reviewed. Further to experimental work, the project may include computational simulations of heat transfer, diffusion, and phase transformation kinetics to support interpretation of results and enable process optimisation. The research will contribute to the development of more energy-efficient and predictable heat-treatment routes for steel components, supporting sustainable manufacturing and high-value production.

This project is suitable for candidates with a background in materials science, metallurgy, mechanical engineering, or a related discipline, and offers training in experimental metallurgy, advanced characterisation, and modelling within a collaborative research environment.

Industrial Sponsorship

The PhD is fully funded through the EPSRC ICASE scheme and supported by BAE Systems, offering strong industrial relevance and collaboration. The student will be based at Cranfield University in the Sustainable Manufacturing Systems Centre, part of the Manufacturing, Materials and Design theme. Access to necessary experimental facilities including advanced microscopy, materials characterization and relevant simulation tools will be provided. Throughout the project, there will be regular collaboration with BAE Systems Land UK, including on-site placement and access to induction furnaces and related equipment. Additional engagement with other organisations may also be part of the research journey, providing exposure to a broad network of practitioners and stakeholders.

Funding and Eligibility

• Fully funded for UK nationals
• Stipend of £25,000 (tax-free) per year for four years
• Tuition fees covered in full
• Project open to UK, EU and overseas nationals/To be eligible for funding, the applicants must have UK citizenship.

Candidate Requirements

We welcome applicants with a First or Upper Second-Class honours degree (or equivalent) in materials science, metallurgy, mechanical engineering, physics or a related discipline. Ideal candidates will be analytical, self-motivated, and interested in working across both academic and applied industrial domains.

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