PhD Studentship: Optimisation of thermomechanical ageing processing: influence of quenching and pre-ageing on the performance of high strength 6xxx aluminium alloys

This 4-year PhD studentship is open to Home (UK) and overseas students. The successful candidate will receive an annual tax-free stipend set at the UKRI rate (£20,780 for 2025/26; subject to annual uplift), and tuition fees will be paid. We expect the stipend to increase each year. The start date is October 2026.

We recommend that you apply early as the advert may be removed before the deadline.

Applications are invited for a full time EPSRC Industrial Doctoral Landscape Awards (IDLA) PhD studentship in research on Optimisation of thermomechanical ageing processing: influence of quenching and pre-ageing on the performance of high strength 6xxx aluminium alloys at the Department of Materials, The University of Manchester and in collaboration with Constellium. The successful applicant will receive an annual stipend (bursary) plus payment of their full time tuition fees for 4 years.

As the automotive industry intensifies its shift toward lightweight, high-performance materials, high strength and high crush resistant AA6xxx AlMgSiCu aluminium alloys are presently the preferred choice for lightweight vehicle structures, including the body-in-white and for the light-weighting and the electrification of both on- and off-road vehicles. Optimised thermomechanical ageing process has pushed these alloys to new performance levels, but the quenching and pre-ageing steps, critical to controlling precipitation behavior and solute retention, remains insufficiently understood. This project addresses that gap by leveraging advanced microscopy to study microstructural evolution during thermomechanical processing, aiming to refine alloy design and extrusion practices for automotive applications.

The work will be focused on how quenching rate and pre-ageing steps influences microstructural evolution and performance of AA6xxx aluminium alloys processed via advanced thermomechanical process. Key questions include: i) how does quenching affect precipitate formation, PFZs, and thus the thermomechanical ageing process response; ii) how do variations in alloy chemistry (Si, Mg, Cu) impact quench sensitivity and precipitation behaviour; iii) what role do pre-ageing conditions—temperature, duration, and natural ageing time—play in shaping microstructural response during aging; iv) how the resultant microstructural features correlate with mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. Correlative accelerated laboratory testing and analytical electron microscopy will be will be employed in the project.

This programme provides a unique opportunity to combine pioneering academic research with industrial experience. In addition to the access to state-of-the-art facilities, the student also has the opportunity to develop interdisciplinary skills and to work in a team environment involving leading academics and industrial experts. The industrial collaborators at Constellium will work closely with the student during the project including opportunities for gaining exposure to the industrial manufacturing environment. In addition to the standard EPSRC stipend, substantial extra maintenance is provided by the industrial sponsor. 

Informal enquires may be addressed to Prof. Xiaorong Zhou via email to xiaorong.zhou@manchester.ac.uk

Applicants should have or expect to achieve at least a 2.1 honours degree in materials science/engineering, metallurgy, physics, chemistry, or a related subject.

To apply, please contact the main supervisor, Prof. Xiaorong Zhou via email to xiaorong.zhou@manchester.ac.uk. Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project.

Advert information