PhD Studentship: Electromagnetic Control of Metal Solidification: Multiscale Multiphysics Modelling from Dendritic to Bulk Scales

The solidification of liquid alloys is a critical step in the manufacture of advanced components for aerospace and automotive applications. Previous studies have shown that interface-driven forced convection induced by electromagnetic fields (EMF) can significantly refine grains, mitigate solute segregation, and favourably modify the morphology of intermetallic compounds. However, this controlled flow is influenced by multiple parameters and strongly coupled with the solidification process, and its evolution and quantitative mechanisms remain poorly understood, which poses a key bottleneck to precise control of solidification microstructures.

This PhD project, building on research initiatives from the UK National Synchrotron Radiation Centre (DIAMOND Light Source project) and the German DAAD project, aims to develop multiscale models spanning from the dendritic scale to the bulk scale to characterize magnetohydrodynamic behaviour under time-varying electromagnetic fields, and to uncover the key dynamic mechanisms governing microstructure evolution through advanced modelling and experimental insights. It further seeks to establish a green, energy-efficient electromagnetic field-controlled solidification strategy, enabling efficient and sustainable manufacturing across casting, welding, and additive manufacturing, and contributing directly to Net Zero targets.

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join an interdisciplinary research project at the intersection of electromagnetism, solidification science, transport phenomena, and computational materials science. The successful candidate will work on the following key objectives:

(1) Development of Multiphysics Coupling Models

• Establish comprehensive multiphysics models to capture the interactions among: electromagnetic fields, thermal fields, fluid flow, and solute transport.

• Develop efficient computational coupling strategies to integrate these physical processes.
• Apply advanced numerical methods to construct dendrite growth models, including: Phase-field, CA, et al.

(2) Multiscale Experimental and Modelling

• Combine dendritic-scale X-ray experiments with ingot-scale casting experiments to establish a multiscale numerical model andelucidate solidification dynamic relationships bridging from Dendritic to Bulk Scales.
• Use model-based analysis to reveal how electromagnetic fields influence solute redistribution, dendritic growth and microstructure transformation.

(3) Controlled Fabrication of Target Crystal Structures under EMF

• Employ solidification techniques and advanced digital tools (e.g., AI, COMSOL Multiphysics, and Python) to design and fabricate metal crystals with tailored configurations, such as columnar, equiaxed, or single-crystal structures.
• Quantitatively evaluate and demonstrate EMF potential impact on future industrial applications.

The University of Greenwich, situated on the scenic banks of the Thames, offers an exceptional environment for research and professional development. This studentship is fully funded by the University's £9M Research England-funded M³4Impact expansion programme. This project forms a key part of the Computational Science and Engineering Group’s (CSEG) objectives, and you will be fully integrated into the M³4Impact doctoral cohort.

Your supervisor, Dr Qingwei Bai and co-supervised by Prof. Andrew Kao, whose group will provide guidance in both experimental techniques and modelling simulation. You will benefit from the group’s expertise in advanced modelling, synchrotron data processing, and AI. Moreover, our group has established an extensive international collaboration network, including partners such as HZDR in Germany, institutions in France, Latvia, and the universities and enterprises across China, providing you with opportunities to engage in collaborative research abroad.

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