Study of alloying additions on the extrusion of high-performance automotive aluminium alloys using advanced physical thermomechanical simulation
Applications are invited for one full-time EPSRC Industrial CASE (ICASE) PhD studentship for the project “Study of alloying additions on the extrusion of high-performance automotive aluminium alloys using advanced physical thermomechanical simulation”, at Brunel University London, starting from 1st October 2024.
BCAST is a speciality research centre in metallurgy with a focus on processing of metallic materials for lightweighting applications. See www.brunel.ac.uk/bcast for more information. The project is sponsored by Constellium, a global leading manufacturer of high-quality technically advanced aluminium products and systems.
Successful applicants will receive an annual stipend (bursary) starting from approximately £23,000 plus payment of their full-time home tuition fees for a period of up to 48 months (4 years)
The automotive industry is shifting towards reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Constellium's 6XXX series aluminium alloys, play a vital role in creating lighter, safer, and more fuel-efficient vehicles, especially for structural and safety components in battery electric vehicles (BEVs). To meet the requirements of these applications, Aluminium alloys must also ensure high strength and crashworthiness. The main objective of this research project is to utilize the Gleeble thermomechanical simulation system to optimize processing parameters for controlling the microstructure and texture of aluminium alloys, with the goal of achieving both enhanced crash performance and high strength. The research project entails utilizing the newly acquired GLEEBLE 3800-GTC Thermal-Mechanical Physical Simulation system to simulate extrusion processing. This aims to comprehend the evolution of microstructure and texture, which can be analysed using the state-of-the-art electron microscopy facilities available at the centre. These findings are expected to contribute significantly to the advancement of next-generation aluminium alloys.
You will have the opportunity to interact with and receive advice from Constellium’s industrial research engineers in addition to the MMSRC’s leading researchers in physics-based and data-driven modelling.
Please contact Dr Ebad Bagherpour (Ebad.Bagherpour@Brunel.ac.uk) for an informal discussion about the project.
Eligibility
To be eligible to apply for this studentship, applicants should be “UK Residents” as defined by the EPSRC. Please check your suitability here
To be treated as a home student, candidates must meet one of these criteria:
- Be a UK national (meeting residency requirements)
- Have settled status
- Have pre-settled status (meeting residency requirements)
- Have indefinite leave to remain or enter.
Applicants will have or be expected to receive a first or upper-second class honours degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a similar discipline. A postgraduate master’s degree is not required but may be an advantage.
Applicants will be required to demonstrate their abilities in numerical modelling or in the application of simulation software to scientific / engineering problems. In addition, applicants should be highly motivated, able to work independently as well as in a team, collaborate with others and have effective communication skills.
How to apply
Please submit your application documents (see list below) in one PDF file by noon on 3 May 2024
to cedps-pgr-office@brunel.ac.uk. Interviews will take place in May 2024.
- Your up-to-date CV;
- Your personal statement (300 to 500 words) summarising your background, skills and experience;
- Your Undergraduate/Postgraduate degree certificate(s) and transcript(s);
- Evidence of your English language skills to IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent, 6.0 in all sections), if appropriate;
- Contact details for two referees, one of which can be an academic member of staff in the College.
Remember to state the title of the project in the subject of your email.