Computational Modelling of Sustainable Alloys PhD 36 months PHD Programme By Loughborough University |TopUniversities
Subject Ranking

# 151-200QS Subject Rankings

Programme Duration

36 monthsProgramme duration

Application Deadline

14 Feb, 2025Application Deadline

Main Subject Area

Materials SciencesMain Subject Area

Programme overview

Main Subject

Materials Sciences

Degree

PhD

Study Level

PHD

Study Mode

On Campus

Computational Modelling of Sustainable Alloys PhD
The production of primary steel and aluminium uses a huge amount of resources and causes significant environmental damage, leading to a large effort to recycle these high-value alloys.
However, the composition and microstructure of the alloys has to be tightly controlled as impurities during processing forms damaging microstructural defects and secondary phases. It is possible to add refiners and modifiers to mitigate this problem, but many of the existing additions have been discovered by chance.
To allow more control of structure during the solidification stage as the amount of recycled content is increased, a more rational understanding of the additions would advance the science for sustainable alloys and enhance metal recyclability. This research will bring about environmental and economic benefits, and play an important part in accelerating the progression towards net zero in the UK and globally. 
In this PhD project, the student will lead on computational methods, including molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, to understand, at the atomic scale, the ‘modifying’ effect of minor additions on second phase formation and growth by assessing, e.g., their influence on the solid/liquid interfacial free energy.
The project involves working within a larger team that will verify the models using electron microscopy and x-ray techniques (both on the laboratory scale and at central facilities).
This project forms part of an ambitious and collaborative EPSRC-funded project (Artificial Intelligence X-ray Imaging for Sustainable Metal Manufacturing - AIXISuMM) which combines research expertise at Loughborough University, The University of Oxford and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC). The project will offer the opportunity to work in collaboration with researchers at the other institutions.

Programme overview

Main Subject

Materials Sciences

Degree

PhD

Study Level

PHD

Study Mode

On Campus

Computational Modelling of Sustainable Alloys PhD
The production of primary steel and aluminium uses a huge amount of resources and causes significant environmental damage, leading to a large effort to recycle these high-value alloys.
However, the composition and microstructure of the alloys has to be tightly controlled as impurities during processing forms damaging microstructural defects and secondary phases. It is possible to add refiners and modifiers to mitigate this problem, but many of the existing additions have been discovered by chance.
To allow more control of structure during the solidification stage as the amount of recycled content is increased, a more rational understanding of the additions would advance the science for sustainable alloys and enhance metal recyclability. This research will bring about environmental and economic benefits, and play an important part in accelerating the progression towards net zero in the UK and globally. 
In this PhD project, the student will lead on computational methods, including molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, to understand, at the atomic scale, the ‘modifying’ effect of minor additions on second phase formation and growth by assessing, e.g., their influence on the solid/liquid interfacial free energy.
The project involves working within a larger team that will verify the models using electron microscopy and x-ray techniques (both on the laboratory scale and at central facilities).
This project forms part of an ambitious and collaborative EPSRC-funded project (Artificial Intelligence X-ray Imaging for Sustainable Metal Manufacturing - AIXISuMM) which combines research expertise at Loughborough University, The University of Oxford and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC). The project will offer the opportunity to work in collaboration with researchers at the other institutions.

Admission Requirements

3.2+
6.5+
92+

14 Feb 2025
3 Years
Jul
Oct

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