Advances in computing, experiments, and information will continue to reshape engineering in the next decade. This PhD position will nurture a multidisciplinary innovator with the tools to unravel the future of Mechanics of Materials.

The qualification of critical components requires a comprehensive assessment of the mechanical response under multiple loading conditions. Certification procedures requires the survival of components under realistic in-service conditions that can couple various degradation mechanisms such as fracture, fatigue, corrosion, wear, creep, etc. However, most damage prognosis methodologies lack strategies for the integration of damage mechanisms and rely on assessments for each mechanisms independently. Certainly, the decoupling of damage mechanisms carries a risk and conveys large uncertainty.

An accurate prediction of the mechanical response of metallic materials should take into account the dominant degradation mechanisms at multiple length scales. However, most modelling approaches rely on correlations between phenomenological formulations and macroscopic experiments that are inaccurate at micro- and meso-scales. To mitigate modelling uncertainty, current leading research efforts employ multiscale and multiphysics approaches informed at many length scales.

This PhD position will investigate the mechanical response of engineering alloys under various loading conditions (e.g., strain rate, temperature, and loading history) by informing physics-based attributes across scales. The work will integrate experimental information and multiscale computational approaches to validate a computational predictive tool amenable to engineering applications. The candidate will cooperate with leading industrial partners to link fundamental materials research with manufacturing routes to develop novel technologies and improve the science base of manufacturing research.

Read more in the .

At a glance

  • Application deadlineOngoing
  • Award type(s)PhD
  • Duration of award3 years
  • EligibilityUK, EU, Rest of world
  • Reference numberSATM0039

Supervisor

Dr. Gustavo Castelluccio is a leader in Mesoscale Mechanics. His work integrates multiscale models and experiments to discover the fundamental mechanisms responsible for damage and deformation.

About the host University and Through-life Engineering Services (TES) Centre

Cranfield is an exclusively postgraduate university that is a global leader for transformational research and education in technology and management. Research Excellence Framework 2014 (REF) has recognised 81% of Cranfield’s research as world leading or internationally excellent in its quality. Every year Cranfield graduates the highest number of postgraduates in engineering and technology in the UK (Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency Ltd). Cranfield Manufacturing is one of eight major themes at Â鶹´«Ã½AV. The manufacturing capability is world leading and combines a multi-disciplinary approach that integrates design, technology and management expertise.

We link fundamental materials research with manufacturing to develop novel technologies and improve the science base of manufacturing research.

The Through-life Engineering Services (TES) Centre are among the world leaders in through-life approaches for high value systems, Condition monitoring, Damage tolerance, Asset management. TES was developed with the support of EPSRC grant of £ 11 million with the aim to develop research excellence and address the research problems in the sector of Through-life Engineering services. TES Centre is providing its state of the art academic and research services to industrial clients such as Boeing, BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, Meggitt, Thales, MOD, Bombardier, QinetiQ, Thales, Network Rail, Schlumberger and Alstom.

Entry requirements

Applicants should have a first or second class UK honours degree or equivalent in a related discipline, such as computer science, mathematics, or engineering.

The candidate should be self-motivated and have excellent analytical, reporting and communication skills.

Funding

Self-funded/partially funded

Please contact the supervisor for more information or explore our .



How to apply

Before completing the application documentation please contact Dr Gustavo Castelluccio (castellg@cranfield.ac.uk) for an initial informal discussion about this opportunity. Please include the keyword PhD Studentship-Self Funding in the subject field.

If you are eligible to apply for this research studentship, please complete the . Position will be open until filled, and priority will be given to early candidates.

For further information contact us today:
T: 44 (0)1234 758540
E: studymanufacturing@cranfield.ac.uk