PhD Studentship: Aerospace Al alloy cold spray coating performance under corrosion and subsequent environments

Supervisory Team: Philippa Reed

PhD Supervisor: Philippa Reed

Project description:

Cold spray is a repair process that can be considered an additive repair process, whereby metal powder particles are impacted at high speed in a carrier gas, at relatively low temperatures, so the repaired surface layer is formed by extreme deformation rather than melting and solidification.  The evolving microstructures and the residual stress states between the substrate and new coating layer mean CS structures are not currently used in highly stressed locations as their mechanical performance is not well understood.  A better understanding of how the micromechanical processes in this layered system control in particular corrosion interactions is needed.  This is part of a larger research project supported by Airbus Operations, in collaboration with Coventry University. This project will use advanced microstructural characterization techniques (SEM, EBSD, EDX, TEM and X-ray CT) to analyse the evolution of the CS microstructure and defect distributions, and will also investigate full field experimental mechanics approaches (e.g. EC-AFM) to evaluate strain evolution and corrosion processes under fatigue loading and in the presence of unloaded corrosion service conditions.

Funding for this project is offered by the Centre for Doctoral Training in Complex Integrated Systems for Defence & Security (CISDnS), which will recruit motivated and inquisitive candidates across the themes of Digital, Physical and Biological systems to provide a diverse and interconnected cohort training environment. As well as carrying out research training in a world-leading research group, membership of CISDnS will provide the opportunity for you to be exposed and trained to handle the interdisciplinary challenges faced in the real-world via a Systems Thinking approach. You will learn about the wider challenges of research and innovation within the Defence & Security sector from both your peers and the numerous industry partners supporting the Centre.

This PhD studentship is open only to UK applicants. This project is suitable for applicants with engineering or physical sciences backgrounds. We welcome applicants onto the CDT from underrepresented groups.

To discuss technical details about the projects please contact:

Philippa Reed (pasr1@soton.ac.uk).

To discuss aspect related to the CISDnS CDT please contact the directorate, Email cisdns@soton.ac.uk

Entry Requirements

A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent).

Closing date: 30th August 2024.

Applications will be considered in the order that they are received, the position will be considered filled when a suitable candidate has been identified.

Funding: Full-time studentships will cover UK course fees and an enhanced tax-free stipend of approx. £23,500 per year for 4 years along with a substantial budget for research, travel, and centre activities. A number of studentships are available and will be awarded on a rolling basis, so you are encouraged to apply early for the best opportunity to be considered.

How To Apply

Apply onlineby clicking the 'Apply' button, above.

Select programme type (Research), 2024/25, Faculty of Physical Sciences and Engineering, next page select “Integrated PhD in Complex Integrated Systems for Defence and Security (2024-25)”

In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor: Philippa Reed

Applications should include:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Two reference letters
• Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date

For further information please contact: feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk

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