PhD studentships
In-situ observation of short stress corrosion crack behaviour
Stress corrosion cracking (SCC) results from the combination of susceptible material, specific environment and sufficient mechanical driving force. The bulk of the lifetime of a component, which ultimately fails by the nucleation and growth of stress corrosion cracking, can be spent while the crack is short (i.e. of the order of a few grains in size). This is the condition where its growth may be very sensitive to microstructure or the influence of surface preparation (i.e. cold work and residual stress from machining). Life prediction models are being developed, and their validation needs accurate observation of short crack growth rates under controlled mechanical and environmental conditions.
We have developed new optical image correlation and synchrotron tomography methods that allow the in-situ observation of short stress corrosion cracks in a range of environments. We are also developing models for intergranular and transgranular stress corrosion crack interactions with microstructure and residual stress. This PhD project will apply and develop some of these methods, to improve our understanding of short stress corrosion crack behaviour, and thereby help improve lifetime prediction models. The student will join a team of researchers working on related topics.Degree Type
3 year PhD
Eligibility
Undergraduate degree in the area of Materials Science, Corrosion Science, Physics, Engineering or Chemistry.
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.
Awards will be based on the merit of your application against the applications of other applicants. There is no deadline for applications, but the majority of funding will be allocated in June 08.Start Date
As soon as possible
Application Deadline
Applications are invited throughout 2008
Reference
PhD/07/TJM/02
Supervisor Contact Details
For further information about the project, please contact:
Name: Dr James Marrow
Email: james.marrow@manchester.ac.uk
Tel:44 (0) 161 306 3611
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.