PhD Studentship in Materials Science & Mechanics of Materials Novel Metal-metal Solid Bonding Technique

Supervisors: Dr Jun Jiang (Senior Lecturer), Mechanical Engineering Department

Deadline for applying: until post filled

Applications are invited for a research studentship in the field of advanced manufacturing technologies, leading to the award of a PhD degree. The position is supported by a bursary and fees (at the UK student rate) provided by various industry stakeholders, including Commonwealth Fusion Systems, UKAEA, Alfa Laval, SMT, and British Gear Associate, emphasising its significant industrial relevance and potential.

Dr Jiang's group at Imperial College has invented a ground-breaking solid-bonding technology that seamlessly integrates cold bonding with diffusion bonding, all in open-air conditions. This innovative method has demonstrated exceptional results, such as maintaining base metal properties with minimal deformation. Its advantages encompass high joint strength, precision, cost-effectiveness, scalability, and much more, earning its 1st place in the Fusion Manufacturing Challenges 2023 at TechConnect, Washington.

The prime focus of this PhD will be to develop and optimise this revolutionary welding technique for manufacturing industry-representative nuclear fusion components (like tungsten-316L or vanadium) or creating bimetallic Al-Fe lightweight gears for transmission systems. With access to the state-of-the-art Gleeble 3800 testing facility, the candidate will investigate deep into understanding the intricacies of bonding mechanisms. This will encompass studies on oxide evolution, grain boundary migration, and void closure. Using cutting-edge in-situ thermal micromechanical testing and characterisation units Tescan Clara+ Oxford Instrument EBSD Symmetry 2, EDX, the student will explore the microstructure evolution at the solid bonding joints. Furthermore, the project will also encompass developing physically based constitutive equations to numerically portray these bonding mechanisms, facilitating the simulation and optimisation of the welding process.

Ideal candidates should be passionate and self-motivated and meet the academic prerequisites for enrolment in the PhD degree at Imperial College London. Possession of a first-class honours degree in Mechanical/Material Engineering or a related field is essential. The student should demonstrate robust project and communication skills and possess a keen interest in advanced manufacturing, welding, mechanics of materials, and materials science.

To understand more about research at Imperial College London in this sphere, visit:

https://www.imperial.ac.uk/mechanical-engineering/research/

For application guidance, please refer to:

http://www.imperial.ac.uk/mechanical-engineering/study/phd/how-to-apply/

For any further details about this position, please get in touch with Dr Jun Jiang at jun.jiang@imperial.ac.uk . Prospective applicants should forward an updated CV to Dr Jiang. Suitable candidates must complete an electronic application form at Imperial College London, ensuring their credentials are assessed by the College Registry.

Closing date: until post filled.

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