Alloyed metallic grain control and tribological characterization

About the Project

Metallic material properties can be attributed to various mechanisms such as grain refinement and precipitation hardening. In additive manufacturing the alloy, grain size and subsequent heat treatment is of great interest for their tribological properties and through the potential for architecture by manufacturing improved properties could be realized.

This study into the resultant properties of AM produced samples involving post manufacture heat treatment including modelling of grain size orientation and composition precipitates will allow materials engineers to advance the knowledge of this manufacturing opportunity.

This project could use AM but alternative microstructural modification mechanisms can also be considered.

Various approaches can be taken to this problem from practical to modeling depending on the skill set available.

Academic qualifications

First degree (minimum 2:1 classification) in Materials / metallurgy engineering, or mechanical engineering

English language requirement

IELTS score must be at least 6.5 (with not less than 6.0 in each of the four components). Other, equivalent qualifications will be accepted. Full details of the University’s policy are available online.

Essential attributes:

• Good fundamental knowledge of Metallurgy, Metallic Processing /additive manufacture
• Computational / mathematical modelling in materials
• Good written and oral communication
• Strong motivation, with evidence of independent research skills

Desirable attributes:

• Materials characterization techniques
• Mechanical / tribology testing and analysis

APPLICATION CHECKLIST

• Completed application form
• CV
• 2 academic references, using the Postgraduate Educational Reference Form (download)
• Research project outline of 2 pages (list of references excluded). The outline may provide details about
  1. Background and motivation of the project. The motivation, explaining the importance of the project, should be supported also by relevant literature. You can also discuss the applications you expect for the project results.
  2. Research questions or objectives.
  3. Methodology: types of data to be used, approach to data collection, and data analysis methods.
  4. List of references.
• The outline must be created solely by the applicant. Supervisors can only offer general discussions about the project idea without providing any additional support.
• Statement no longer than 1 page describing your motivations and fit with the project.
• Evidence of proficiency in English (if appropriate)

To be considered, the application must use

• the advertised title as project title

For informal enquiries about this PhD project, please contact n.shearer@napier.ac.uk

PhD Start Date: October 2026

Application link: https://evision.napier.ac.uk/si/sits.urd/run/siw_sso.go?mP9MDnTs1Rwm8ftb3WVhDhXtraMQwXSUMdHC9wIc34es5bJqXf