Novel lightweight aerospace materials under thermo-mechanical loading

Summary

This project will investigate the benefits of an Additive Manufacturing (AM), aka 3D-printed, mechanical component made of a novel lightweight composite material for aerospace or defence applications.

The study shall focus on the effect of the thermo-mechanical loading on the physical properties and on the structural strength and stiffness of a composite material. The aim is to develop a novel material as a substitute for a typical aluminium alloy in manufacturing a range of products of interest in the UK aerospace industry. This scholarship top-up provided by Thales UK Ltd. will provide an enhanced PhD experience over 4 years, by increasing the student stipend and allowing for other opportunities including an industrial placement, and in addition cover items such as travel and subsistence. This PhD studentship offers an annual non-taxable maintenance grant of approx. £19,500 (plus an additional annual stipend top-up of £5000).

Further details about the funding scheme can be found here.

https://www.ukri.org/what-we-do/developing-people-and-skills/epsrc/studentships/industrial-case/

Student eligibility requirements for EPSRC Industrial CASE funding are the same as for our other studentship awards. They are:

-a relevant connection with the UK, usually established by residence

-a first or upper second-class honours degree, or a combination of qualifications or experience equivalent to that level.

The student will work in a dynamic research group based in the new Belfast campus, with access to the industrial scale support through the NIACE and AMIC manufacturing research facilities.

AccessNI clearance required

Please note, the successful candidate will be required to obtain AccessNI clearance prior to registration due to the nature of the project.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications - peer-reviewed

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• EPSRC IDLA (Industrial Doctoral Landscape Awards)

The University offers the following levels of support:

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living

These scholarships will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of approx. £19,500 (plus an additional annual stipend top-up of £5000) per annum for four years* (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

To be eligible for these scholarships, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a UK National, or
• Have settled status, or
• Have pre-settled status, or
• Have indefinite leave to remain or enter, or
• be an Irish National

Applicants should also meet the residency criteria which requires that they have lived in the EEA, Switzerland, the UK or Gibraltar for at least the three years preceding the start date of the research degree programme.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year are NOT eligible to apply for an award.