"PhD The influence of Si in alpha+beta titanium alloys (Fixed Term)"

PhD The influence of Si in alpha+beta titanium alloys (Fixed Term)

Funder: EPSRC and Rolls-Royce

Duration: 3.5 years from 1 October 2026

Supervisors: Prof NG Jones & Dr NL Church

Location: The PhD studentship will be based at the University of Cambridge in the Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy as part of the Structural Materials Group. The Structural Materials Group is a diverse and dynamic research team working across aerospace, automotive, energy, defence, and biomedical sectors. The group's expertise includes alloy design, microstructure-property relationships, phase transformations, and advanced materials processing.

Closing date for applications: 23 Jan 2026 with interviews shortly afterwards.

Stipend: Full funding for 3.5 years covering a personal maintenance stipend starting at £20,780 (current rate) per annum with a top up of £5,500 per annum from Rolls-Royce.

Fees: These positions are open to UK citizens or overseas students who meet the UK residency requirements (home fees) or are able to augment the funds to cover the extra costs associated with international student fees. Exceptional candidates may be eligible for an International Fee Bursary.

The influence of Si in alpha+beta titanium alloys

The alpha + beta titanium alloy Ti6Al-4V (wt%) has been used extensively by aeroengine manufacturers for a long time due to its good balance of properties and relatively low density. However, a number of questions remain as to the influence of individual alloying elements on the elemental phase partitioning and the deformation micromechanics of these alloys, particularly when considering high strain rate regimes.

This project will examine the role that Si additions have on the microstructural development and mechanical performance of solute lean alpha + beta titanium alloys. The research will be predominately practical and will include the production of systematic series of model alloys through arc melting, hot rolling and heat treatments. Microstructural characterisation will be performed through electron microscopy (both scanning and transmission) and X-ray diffraction, supported by differential scanning calorimetry. Quasi-static mechanical performance will be assessed through small scale tensile testing, including advanced in situ testing in Cambridge and at national synchrotron facilities. Complimentary high strain rate testing will be conducted with our industrial partners, with an aim to develop a mechanistic understanding of how compositional changes influence alloy performance and guide the industrial development of new, high performance titanium alloys.

Applicants should have (or expect to be awarded) a good UK Master’s degree (or overseas equivalent) in a relevant science subject (Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering) and should be self- motivated, able to take ownership of their research, and effectively communicate their research findings. Training in all the computational and experimental methods will be provided in the projects, although relevant previous experience would be advantageous.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 3.5 years in the first instance.

Applications for the PhD projects should be submitted via the University Application Portal: www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/apply. Early applications are encouraged as the positions may be filled once suitable candidates are identified.

For further details on postgraduate study at Cambridge, visit the University website. Informal enquiries can be sent to structuralmaterials@msm.cam.ac.uk.

Please quote reference LJ48386 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

Department/location: Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy

Reference: LJ48386

Category: Studentships