Studentships

Constellium, a global leader in aluminium manufacturing and innovation, seeks to advance its capabilities by placing greater emphasis on thermo-mechanical process optimization and precipitate kinetics engineering. The design and optimization of aluminium alloys have traditionally relied on compositional tuning – adding or adjusting alloying. This requires tight compositional control hard to ensure, especially, with high-scrap content. This Ph.D. proposal aims to develop a comprehensive framework that integrates kinetic modelling and optimized thermal strategies to revolutionize aluminium alloy development – moving from a composition-centric approach to a thermal process-driven methodology. Objectives Critically evaluate the limitations of conventional alloy development routes based on alloying element variation. Support and validate previous findings and experiments. Implement advanced kinetic models to predict Thermo-Mechanical Ageing (TMA) condition for specific desired properties of high-scrap aluminium alloys. Design and validate tailored thermal treatment paths (Solutionising, quenching, ageing and interrupted ageing, etc.) Establish processing-microstructure-property relationships using experimental data and supported by modelling predictions Develop a digital decision-support tool to guide the UTC team doing proper heat treatment schedules based on kinetics predictions and desired mechanical property targets.   Expected results and Impact: This Ph.D. project is expected to develop high-scrap-content alloys and enhance digital, AI-integrated recycling by optimising process windows and thermal paths instead of focusing solely on chemical composition. Once specific mechanical properties, like yield strength and elongation, are identified for an application, a digital tool, for example, will recommend the suitable high-scrap alloy, its thermo-mechanical treatments, CO2 emissions, and energy consumption. By shifting the emphasis from "chemical control" to "kinetics and thermal process control," we seek to redefine high-performance, scrap-tolerant aluminium alloy design. This will help reduce environmental impact and energy costs.