MTC sponsored PhD Studentship in Cold Spray as a High Throughput Additive Manufacturing Process

Engineering

Location:  UK Other 

Closing Date:  Friday 15 December 2023 

Reference:  ENG1682

Background

Applications are invited for a Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC)-sponsored PhD studentship at the world-leading Centre for Excellence in Coatings and Surface Engineering (CSE) at the University of Nottingham. The MTC was established in 2010 as an independent Research & Technology Organisation (RTO) with the objective of bridging the gap between academia and industry. This 3-year PhD programme in partnership with MTC will address key challenges for MTC industrial users. 

The PhD Project

Cold Spray Additive Manufacturing (CSAM) is a technique where materials can be deposited by injecting powder particles into a high-velocity, inert gas stream. When fast-moving particles impact a surface, a metallic bonding takes place between the particle and substrate without melting. This technology is increasingly being considered for use in additive manufacturing. 

This project aims at assessing the capabilities and limitations of CSAM in processing speciality materials. Such materials have exceptional performance properties that make them suitable for demanding applications in sectors, such as aerospace, civil nuclear and defence. Their properties, on the other hand, make them challenging to process by CSAM, which requires careful assessment and control of feedstock properties, process window and thermal post-treatment. This project will therefore assess the viability of processing speciality materials using CSAM.

• Review of the state-of-the-art in CSAM with a focus on speciality materials and selection of two materials for initial testing and validation using CSAM.  
• Development of process parameters for the selected alloys and benchmarking selected properties for maximised performance 
• Developing design rules for CSAM, including dimensional control during spraying (part orientation, geometrical complexity, minimum viable features, etc.)
• Explore inspection methods to assess the quality of printed parts (Non destructive testing routes)  
• Development of industrially-relevant case studies to demonstrate the process capabilities

This is an exciting PhD project that has a combination of academic and industrial challenges, which will enhance the student’s ability to tackle complex intellectual and practical aspects of materials engineering. 

Qualification:

We are seeking candidates with 

• A first or upper-second-class degree in materials/mechanical/ manufacturing/aerospace/chemical engineering.
• Ability to learn new material deposition techniques.
• A driven individual with an inquisitive mind.
• Ability to produce high-quality presentations and written reports.

Funding: 

A fully funded studentship, which includes a tax-free stipend of up to £27,190 per year, made possible by MTC’s investment in the PhD programme, is available for home fee-eligible students for an October 2023 start. 

Informal inquiries, with a detailed CV, a cover letter and academic transcripts, should be sent directly to Prof. Tanvir Hussain (tanvir.hussain@nottingham.ac.uk).  

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.