Precipitation hardening by Fe-containing phases in recycled aluminium alloys
Applications are invited for one full-time EPSRC Industrial CASE (ICASE) PhD studentship for the project “Precipitation hardening by Fe-containing phases in recycled aluminium alloys”, at Brunel University London, starting from 1st October 2024.
BCAST is a speciality research centre in metallurgy with a focus on processing of metallic materials for lightweighting applications. See www.brunel.ac.uk/bcast for more information. 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) starting from approximately £23,000 plus payment of their full-time home tuition fees for a period of up to 48 months (4 years)
Iron is a typical impurity in most aluminium alloys, and its influence becomes especially important and harmful in recycled alloys. Until recently, there were no indications that iron in aluminium alloys can be useful for improving the properties. Recently, it has been shown that small amounts of Fe can actually improve the properties of aluminium alloys. This discovery can be a turning point in developing Fe-containing Al alloys with improved properties.
In this project you will develop a framework for the design of Al alloys with Fe-containing hardening phases, which may potentially open the route for the new class of Al alloys made with recycled feedstock. The research will include thermodynamic modelling, making the alloys, their testing and characterisation using most advanced facilities available at BCAST (TEM, HRTEM/HAADF, APM etc.). You will receive a multi-faceted training and should demonstrate the ability to learn, take initiative, adapt, and interact with the team members.
You will have the opportunity to interact with and receive advice from Constellium’s industrial research engineers in addition to other academic and research staff of BCAST.
Please contact Prof. Dmitry Eskin (dmitry.eskin@brunel.ac.uk) for an informal discussion about the project
Eligibility
To be eligible to apply for this studentship, applicants should be “UK Residents” as defined by the EPSRC. Please check your suitability here
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.
Applicants should have or be expected to receive before the start of the study a first or upper-second class honours degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a similar discipline. A postgraduate master’s degree is not required but may be an advantage.
Applicants will be required to demonstrate their abilities in fast learning new skills, independent thinking, general materials knowledge. In addition, applicants should be highly motivated, able to work independently as well as in a team, collaborate with others and have effective communication skills.
How to apply
Please submit your application documents (see list below) in one PDF file by noon on the 15th of March 2024
to cedps-pgr-office@brunel.ac.uk. Interviews will take place in April 2024.
- Your up-to-date CV;
- Your personal statement (300 to 500 words) summarising your background, skills and experience;
- Your Undergraduate/Postgraduate degree certificate(s) and transcript(s);
- Evidence of your English language skills to IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent, 6.0 in all sections), if appropriate;
- Contact details for two referees, one of which can be an academic member of staff in the College.
Remember to state the title of the project in the subject of your email.