PhD in Materials Science

Research Studentship in the development of a temperature- and rate-dependent single-crystal model for metals/n4-year D.Phil. studentship/nThe plastic deformation behaviour of single-crystals in metals is fundamentally governed by the motion and interaction of dislocations, which are strongly influenced by strain-rate and temperature. Accurate modelling of rate- and temperature-dependent plasticity in single crystals is therefore essential for predicting the mechanical response of metallic materials under diverse loading and environmental conditions, e.g. as components of aircraft engines./nIn this DPhil project, the student will have the opportunity to explore different approaches to model crystal plasticity, developing novel computational techniques to combine accurate physically-based predictions into computationally efficient frameworks using relatively conventional (e.g. hierarchical multiscale) or more novel (e.g. machine learning) algorithms. The numerical work will rely on direct measurements with high spatial and temporal resolutions carried out as part of the larger group effort into understanding crystal plasticity in “extreme conditions”./nThis project offers the opportunity to join a vibrant research group and undertake ground-breaking research in the fields of impact engineering, shock-physics, and materials science, involving both computational and experimental elements within physics and mechanics. You will be based at Begbroke Science Park as part of the Impact and Shock Mechanics group, comprising more than 30 researchers and students.