PhD studentships
Advanced Wrought Magnesium Alloys
The need for ever lighter materials for transport applications in order to reduce fuel consumption and harmful emissions has led to a resurgence of interest in the use of wrought magnesium alloys. Already, these alloys are finding use in high-end automotive applications by manufacturers such as Volkswagen, Jaguar, and Lamborghini. Further developments in alloy and process technology are required before these materials find widespread use across the automotive sector.
This project will build on the strong ongoing activity at Manchester in investigating the relationships between alloy composition, processing, microstructure, and properties in wrought magnesium alloys. The focus will be on new advanced alloys, such as Elektron-675, which have complex microstructures and are strengthened by precipitation. Factors such as texture development and quench sensitivity of these alloys will be studied. Techniques adapted from aluminium alloy experience, such as quench factor modelling, will be applied to these advanced magnesium alloys in order to help optimize processing, structure, and properties. This will be complemented by microstructural characterisation using electron microscopy and, electron backscatter diffraction and mechanical testing.
The project will be carried out in collaboration with Magnesium Elektron, a world leading producer of advanced magnesium alloys with global manufacturing facilities. Magnesium Elektron will provide top-up funding in addition to the standard stipend.
Degree Type
3 year PhD
Eligibility
Undergraduate degree in Materials/Metallurgy, Physical Science or Mechanical Engineering.
Funding
If you are from UK / EU you can apply for funding for this studentship through the School's EPSRC Doctoral Training Account (DTA).The award will provide Home tuition fees and an EPSRC-level stipend of £12,600. The project will be carried out in collaboration with Magnesium Elektron; Magnesium Elektron will provide top-up funding in addition to the standard stipend.
Awards will be based on the merit of your application against the applications of other applicants.
Start Date
Any
Application Deadline
Open
Reference
PhD/07/JR/02
Supervisor Contact Details
For further information about the project, please contact:
Email: joseph.robson@manchester.ac.uk
Tel: 0161 3063560
Admissions Contact
Postgraduate Team, School of Materials
Email: pg-materials@manchester.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)161 306 4824
How to Apply
You can apply for postgraduate opportunities online quoting the project reference number.