Heterogeneous Nucleation during Solidification of Light Metals
Applications are invited for two full-time PhD studentships at Brunel University London, to be agreed at interview. Successful applicants will receive an annual stipend of £17,002 plus payment of their full-time home/EU tuition fees for a period of 48 months.
BCAST is a specialty research institute focusing on solidification related research with an international reputation and is the host of the national centre of excellence in liquid metal engineering (the Future LiME Research Hub). Our research covers fundamental research, technological development and industrial applications in the field of solidification and materials processing. BCAST is well equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for both solidification processing and materials characterisation. See http://bcast.brunel.ac.uk for more information.
You will work on experimental investigation of heterogeneous nucleation of primary phases in light metals, such as aluminium and magnesium alloys produced by advanced casting technologies. These projects aim to advance our understanding of heterogeneous nucleation of primary phases during solidification of light metals and to exploit the heterogeneous nucleation concept in the microstructural refinement and defect control. These projects involve alloy preparation, solidification processing under various conditions and materials characterisation at different length scales
Successful candidates are required to have a first degree at or equivalent to 2:1 or above in a suitable engineering discipline, e.g. materials science, chemistry, physics, etc. A Master’s level qualification is desirable but not essential. Experience in solidification processing of metallic materials, skills in microstructural characterisation using various microscopy techniques and a working knowledge of mechanical testing of metallic materials is an advantage. In addition, he/she should be highly motivated, able to work in a team and have good communication skills. Applicants must have been resident in the UK for 3 or more years, not wholly or mainly for the purpose of receiving full time education, to receive the studentship.
Informal enquiries should be directed to Professor Isaac Chang, Head of LiME Training Centre at isaac.chang@brunel.ac.uk or +44(0)1895 268491
If you wish to apply, please email the following to isaac.chang@brunel.ac.uk AND cedps-pgr-office@brunel.ac.uk
Your up-to-date CV;
Your single A4 page, single-spaced personal statement setting out why you are interested in undertaking this project;
Your degree certificate(s) and transcript(s);
Evidence of your English language capability to IELTS 6.5 or equivalent, if appropriate;
Names and contact details for two academic referees.
The application deadline for this studentship is 24 December 2020.