PhD Studentship: Additive Manufacture: Optimisation and Characterisation of Additively Manufactured Alloy 625 Thin-Wall Structures

Additive manufacturing offers significant opportunities to produce complex, lightweight components that would be difficult to manufacture using conventional methods. One important application is the production of advanced heat exchangers, where thin walls and intricate internal features can improve performance and efficiency. 

Alloy 625 is expected to play a major role in future heat-exchanger designs because of its strength, durability and resistance to high-temperature environments. However, the properties of very thin additively manufactured sections are not yet fully understood. Their performance can be affected by the manufacturing process, heat treatment, surface condition, build direction and the transition between thin and thicker regions. 

This PhD will provide the scientific understanding and supporting evidence required to design, manufacture and assess these components safely. Starting the project in September 2026 would allow the research to support the wider development programme at an early and important stage. 

**In exceptional circumstances, and subject to the discretion of the University and/or the relevant funding body, a deferral of offer may be granted to the next available enrolment period. Such deferral will typically not exceed a duration of three calendar months from the originally stipulated commencement date. Please note that only one deferral may be considered, and any such deferral is not guaranteed. 

Applications may be submitted in Welsh and any application submitted in Welsh will be treated no less favourably than an application submitted in English. Please refer to the University’s Welsh Language Policy on Awarding Grants.

Funding Comment

Due to funding restrictions, this scholarship is open to applicants eligible to pay tuition fees at the UK rate only, as defined by UKCISA (Full list of categories for HE in Wales)

This scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees and an annual stipend at UKRI rate (currently £21,805 for 2026/27), plus an additional stipend of £5,000 per year.

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