PhD Studentship: Realising the potential of additive manufacturing in critical parts: certifying impossible geometries.

Supervisory Team: Joseph Lifton, Thomas Blumensath, Mark Mavrogordato

Project description:

Working closely with Rolls Royce, this PhD will establish advanced, but practical 3D X-ray imaging methods that may be applied to Additively Manufactured (AM) aeroengine parts, exploiting a combination of: known part geometries, advanced data analysis (X-ray simulation and image reconstruction) and customised X-ray hardware.  Successful execution of the work will contribute to the wider realisation of AM in advanced engineering, and the development of new X-ray inspection methods.  Additive manufacturing presents remarkable opportunities in engineering design - for parts to ‘fly’ however, reliable non-destructive test methods are absolutely mandatory for certification.  The exceptional flexibility of AM presents intrinsic problems in this context, as the complex, integrated designs that make best use of AM largely prohibit conventional inspection.

It is known that X-ray computed tomography (functionally equivalent to medical CAT scanning) provides an excellent tool to address AM inspection, but can be difficult to apply to in larger components.  Working as part of a well-established group of PhDs and Doctoral researchers, this PhD project will address this via analysis of carefully designed ‘phantom’ parts, using customised X-ray scanning protocols, building on many years’ experience within the nationally and internationally recognised Southampton µ-VIS lab (www.muvis.org and www.nxct.ac.uk).  The project will involve sophisticated experimental and simulation work using state-of-the-art facilities unique to the UK (www.southampton.ac.uk/muvis/media-activities/diondo-d5-training.page). Whilst X-ray simulation, hardware control and imaging post-processing will be carried out via well-established software packages (open source and commercial) you should have an interest in coding and have experience in Python, MATLAB or similar scientific computing environments. The project is suitable for engineering, material science or physics graduates.  Subject to external travel regulations, the project will involve site visits to Roll Royce in the UK and a short (6 month) industrial placement period.

This project offers a full stipend (living costs) for suitable candidates, following the standard UKRI rates (currently £19,237).  University tuition fees are also covered, up to current UK levels

Entry Requirements

A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent).

Closing date: 31 August 2024.

Applications will be considered in the order that they are received, the position will be considered filled when a suitable candidate has been identified.

Funding: We offer a range of funding opportunities for both UK and international students, including Bursaries and Scholarships.  For more information please visit PhD Scholarships | Doctoral College | University of Southampton  Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis, so apply early for the best opportunity to be considered.

How To Apply

Apply online by clicking the 'Apply' button, above.

Select programme type (Research), 2024/25, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, next page select “PhD Engineering & Environment (Full time)”. In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor Joseph Lifton

Applications should include:

• Research Proposal
• Curriculum Vitae
• Two reference letters
• Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date

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