PhD Studentship: Study of Alloying Additions on the Extrusion of High-performance Automotive Aluminium Alloys Using Advanced Physical Thermomechanical Simulation

Applications are invited for a 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 of London, starting in October 2025.

BCAST is a speciality research centre in metallurgy with a focus on the processing of metallic materials for lightweighting applications.

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) plus payment of their full-time home tuition fees for a period of up to 48 months (4 years).

About the project

As the automotive industry accelerates towards electrification, lightweighting is crucial to improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions. Aluminium alloys are at the forefront of this evolution, especially for structural components in Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), where crash safety and high strength are vital. Constellium’s 6XXX series aluminium alloys are essential in achieving these goals.

This PhD project focuses on the study of alloying additions and their effects on the extrusion process of high-performance automotive aluminium alloys, using advanced physical thermomechanical simulation techniques. Specifically, you will use the state-of-the-art Gleeble 3800-GTC Thermal-Mechanical Physical Simulation system to simulate extrusion processing and optimise the microstructure and texture of aluminium alloys. These insights will help improve crash safety and strength.

You will have the opportunity to learn from Constellium’s industrial research engineers in addition to receiving expert training from BCAST researchers in the use of the high-end characterisation facilities at BCAST.

For informal inquiries, please contact Dr Ebad Bagherpour at ebad.bagherpour@brunel.ac.uk

Key benefits

• Hands-on experience with Gleeble 3800-GTC, a world-class thermomechanical simulator, to push the boundaries of alloy performance
• Collaboration with Constellium, a global leader in high-performance aluminium products
• Training in advanced electron microscopy and materials characterization techniques
• Annual stipend starting at approximately £23,000, with full home tuition coverage for up to 48 months

Eligibility

We are looking for candidates with a strong interest in materials science and engineering, particularly in metal processing and characterisation. Prior experience with physical thermomechanical simulation and electron microscopy is advantageous but not required.

Successful candidates will be highly motivated, capable of working both independently and collaboratively, and eager to contribute.

To be eligible to apply, applicants should be “UK Residents” as defined by the EPSRC. Check your suitability

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.

How to apply

Please submit your application documents (see list below) in one PDF file by 12pm on 10 January 2025 to cedps-pgr-office@brunel.ac.uk via the above ‘Apply’ button.

Application requirements:

• Your up-to-date CV
• A personal statement (300-500 words) summarising your background, skills, and interest in this project
• Undergraduate/Postgraduate degree certificates and transcripts
• Evidence of English proficiency (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent, with no section below 6.0), if applicable
• Contact details of two referees, one being an academic staff member from your current or previous institution

Remember to state the title of the project in the subject of your email.

Interviews will take place in January 2025.

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