Design of novel multicomponent eutectic alloys using machine learning

Applications are invited for our EPSRC funded Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) PhD studentship for the project “Design of novel multicomponent eutectic alloys using machine learning” starting 1st October 2021. Successful applicants will receive an annual stipend (bursary) of £17,609, including inner London weighting, plus payment of their full-time tuition fees for a period of 36 months (3 years).

The majority of studentships are available to applicants who are eligible for home (UK) tuition fees but a limited number are available to overseas and EU nationals who meet the academic entry criteria.

The Project

The successful applicants will join the internationally recognised researchers in the Brunel Centre for Advanced Solidification Technology (BCAST). This exciting research project is focused on the development of high-performance multicomponent eutectic alloys (eg. Al-, Mg-) with ultrafine composite microstructure and excellent mechanical properties superior to those of existing commercial alloys. A combination of machine learning (ML) and computational thermodynamics (Calphad) methods, in conjunction with experimental validation to refine the ML prediction will be used to discover new eutectic alloys from multicomponent systems consisting of five or more elements, to produce unique microstructures and desirable mechanical properties for potential engineering applications.

Please contact Professor Isaac Chang at Isaac.Chang@brunel.ac.uk to arrange an informal discussion about the project.

 

Eligibility

Skills and Experience

Applicants will be required to demonstrate their ability to use commercial computing software, together with good skillsets in computer programming, problem-solving and critical thinking, as well as a strong motivation to learn new topics. Experience in Machine Learning, Metallurgy and Materials Science is an advantage. You should be highly motivated, able to work in a team as well as independently and have good communication skills.

Academic Entry Criteria

You will have or be expected to receive a 1st class or 2:1 honours degree in a suitable engineering or science discipline, e.g. metallurgy, materials science, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, manufacturing engineering or physics. A masters degree is not required but may be an advantage. If applicable, you should hold an English Language proficiency qualification of or equivalent to an overall score of IELTS 6.5 (minimum 6.0 in all sections).

How to apply

Please submit the documents below to cedps-pgr-office@brunel.ac.uk by Noon on Friday 4 June 2021. Interviews will take place in June/July 2021.

  • Your up-to-date CV;

  • Your 300 to 500 word personal statement summarising your background, skills and experience;

  • Your Undergraduate/Postgraduate Masters degree certificate(s) and transcript(s);

  • Your English language qualification, if applicable;

  • Contact details for TWO referees, one of which can be a member of Brunel University academic staff.

Remember to state the title of the project at the top of your personal statement.


Meet the Supervisor - Professor Isaac Chang

Prof. Isaac Chang is the appointed Professor of Metallurgy & Materials and Head of LiME Training Centre. Prior to this, he was a Reader and Head of Education at School of Metallurgy and Materials, University of Birmingham.

He received his DPhil in Materials Science from University of Oxford (1991) and BSc(Eng) in Materials & Metallurgy from Imperial College, London University. He specializes in the field of physical and powder metallurgy, as well as nanotechnology and ceramic science. His research is focussed on the understanding of the relationship between processing, microstructure and properties of materials for industrial applications in transport, energy, healthcare, defence and electronic sectors. He was the first to discover the solid solution with a face centred cubic (FCC) crystal structure in an equiatomic FeCrCoNiMn alloy (the so-called Cantor alloy) in 2004 together with Prof. Brian Cantor, which has contributed to a brand-new field of materials science known as ‘High Entropy Alloys’ or ‘Multiple Principle Element Alloys’.

He holds 7 patents and has published over 121 research papers in scientific journals, book chapters and conference proceedings. He is a Fellow of Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3) and a member of the editorial board for Journal of Materials, Chemistry and Physics.

His current research interest includes muticomponent lightweight alloys, high entropy alloys, metallic glasses, nanocomposites, graphene, high throughput material processing for rapid alloy discovery and synthetic biology for advanced materials development.


Get Ready to Apply

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SpARC (Specialized Aluminium Reinforced Composites)