Micromechanical behaviour of titanium aluminide intermetallics

Titanium aluminide intermetallics are alloys containing approximately 50% titanium and 50% aluminium. These alloys are increasingly replacing heavier materials used in jet-engine aerospace applications due to their high-temperature strength and oxidation resistance, leading to a net aircraft weight reduction and higher fuel efficiency. Although their bulk properties have been studied well enough for industry application, key underlying metallurgical aspects – particularly deformation mechanisms – are relatively not well understood, and thus key potential optimisation avenues for this alloy system are likely being overlooked.

Titanium aluminide intermetallics exhibit multiple solid-state phase transformations that can be manipulated through intelligent heat treatments. Such thermomechanical processing can be used to manipulate the mechanical behaviour of a component, but a fundamental understanding of the microstructure changes that occur during processing and subsequent industry application is key for successful engineering. Furthermore, additional alloying elements can be added to these intermetallics to improve the alloy performance, but phase transformation and deformation behaviour is further complexified as a result.

This PhD project will study the micro and nanometre scale phase-transformation and deformation behaviour in titanium aluminide intermetallics, investigating possible avenues for mechanical property optimisation. This will involve the use of the world-leading advanced electron microscopy facilities at the University of Manchester via pioneering digital image correlation techniques.

Eligibility

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering related discipline.

Before you apply

We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisors for this project before you apply.

How to apply

Apply online through our website: https://uom.link/pgr-apply-fap

When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your supervisor, if you already having funding or if you wish to be considered for available funding through the university, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees.

Your application will not be processed without all of the required documents submitted at the time of application, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

After you have applied you will be asked to upload the following supporting documents:

• Final Transcript and certificates of all awarded university level qualifications
• Interim Transcript of any university level qualifications in progress
• CV
• Supporting statement: A one or two page statement outlining your motivation to pursue postgraduate research and why you want to undertake postgraduate research at Manchester, any relevant research or work experience, the key findings of your previous research experience, and techniques and skills you’ve developed. (This is mandatory for all applicants and the application will be put on hold without it).
• Contact details for two referees (please make sure that the contact email you provide is an official university/work email address as we may need to verify the reference)
• English Language certificate (if applicable)

If you have any questions about making an application, please contact our admissions team by emailing [email protected]. 

Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact.

We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.

We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder).