PhD Studentship - Characterisation of Ni Based Alloy Turbine Wheels for Product Limits Development

How to apply: uom.link/pgr-apply-2425

How many positions: 1

This 3.5 year PhD project is fully funded and home students, and EU students with settled status, are eligible to apply. The successful candidate will received an annual tax free stipend set at the UKRI rate (£19,237 for 2024/25) and tuition fees will be paid. We expect the stipend to increase each year.

We offer an exciting opportunity for a PhD candidate to work on the microstructural characterization of nickel-based alloys used in the manufacture of turbine wheels. The PhD candidate will work on the microstructural characterization of nickel-based alloys used in the manufacture of turbine wheels. This project is part of a larger initiative funded by Cummins, a global leader in power technology, to develop a model to predict the product limits map which describes the performance of a turbine wheel with respect to the microstructure and empirical testing. The aim of the project is to identify the isolated critical parameters which positively and or negatively influence material performance by incorporating empirical data. Cummins is also working on developing turbines used for hydrogen combustion engines, which are aimed at sustainability and decreasing environmental impact. 

This project is run at the University of Manchester and the Royce Institute. You will have access to state-of-the-art equipment, including advanced materials characterization techniques such as: 

• World-class electron microscopy 
• X-ray diffraction (XRD) 
• Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) 
• Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) 
• Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) 
• Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) 

This project is in collaboration with Cummins, providing you with supervision and industrial context so that the scientific outputs can be directly implemented. You will have access to world-class electron microscopy and a full suite of materials characterization techniques at the University of Manchester. 

Additionally, there will be opportunities for internships with Cummins, allowing you to gain valuable industry experience and see the real-world impact of your research. Cummins is also working on developing turbines used for hydrogen combustion engines, which are aimed at sustainability and decreasing environmental impact. 

Join us and become an expert in materials characterization for critical engineering components, making a significant contribution to both industry and academia!

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering related discipline.

To apply, Pease contact the main supervisor, Dr Gholinia - ali.gholinia@manchester.ac.uk. Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project.

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