Fully Funded EPSRC and Schmidt-Clemens Spain PhD Scholarship: Modelling of Complex Load Cycles at Elevated Temperature

Funding providers: EPSRC and Schmidt-Clemens Spain S.A.U.

Subject areas: Mechanical/Materials Engineering

Project start date: 

• 1 October 2024 (Enrolment open from mid-September)

Project description: 

Engineering components such as those found in high temperature plant applications are often subjected to cycles during which both stress and temperature change. These cycles can occur during normal service or during start-up/shut-down cycles and can significantly limit service lives of the components. Due to thermal gradients associated with heating and cooling, these load/thermal cycles are complex in nature and the cycle frequency is typically lower than that of a normal thermo-mechanical fatigue (TMF) cycle resulting in deformation dominated by creep mechanisms. The aim of this project is to develop a model for the deformation and damage that occurs during these complex cycles. A constitutive model which accounts for the effects of stress and temperature changes on material hardening and damage will be implemented within finite element (FE) software allowing predictions of component behaviour to be made. 

This PhD project will be part funded by Schmidt-Clemens (SC) who will be able to provide expertise and data to validate and verify the numerical models. 

Eligibility

Candidates must hold an Upper Second Class (2.1) honours degree in Engineering or similar relevant science discipline. If you are eligible to apply for the scholarship (i.e. a student who is eligible to pay the UK rate of tuition fees) but do not hold a UK degree, you can check our comparison entry requirements. Please note that you may need to provide evidence of your English Language proficiency.

Due to funding restrictions, this scholarship is open to applicants eligible to pay tuition fees at the UK rate only, as defined by UKCISA regulations. 

Additional Funding Information

This scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees and an annual stipend at £19,237.

Additional research expenses will also be available.