About the Project
How can we predict when a joint between two different metals will fail? Combining metals can create structures that are lighter, more efficient or better suited to demanding environments. Yet differences between materials, together with changes introduced by welding, make joint durability difficult to predict.
This PhD will examine how the internal structure of dissimilar-metal joints influences fatigue and fracture. You will study where damage begins, how cracks grow through material regions and across interfaces, and which features control resistance to failure. The work will combine computational modelling with experimental manufacture, characterisation and mechanical testing.
The project builds on Physics through Relational Fields (PREF), a developing modelling approach that describes materials through their constituents and interactions. You will test whether representing these interactions, and how they change during damage, improves predictions of joint performance. Comparisons with established methods and independent experiments will assess the predictive value of the approach.
Working with the supervisory team, you will select an engineering-relevant material combination and welding process. You will manufacture representative joints, characterise their microstructures and investigate their response to repeated loading and fracture testing, using Royce@Manchester metal processing and microscopy facilities, including SEM and EBSD. The experimental programme will inform the models and provide evidence against which to assess their predictions.
Three co-supervisors will support you, bringing expertise in computational mechanics, welding and joining, thermomechanical processing, and materials characterisation. Training will cover the theoretical and practical techniques needed for the project, including computational implementation, fatigue and fracture mechanics, experimental design and data analysis. Regular meetings and interaction with related projects will help you develop an independent research programme in a collaborative environment.
Your research could contribute to more reliable assessment and design of multi-material structures used in transport, energy and industrial equipment. You will develop computational and experimental engineering skills for careers in academic research, advanced manufacturing or structural integrity.
This project is expected to start in September 2027.
Before you apply: We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisors for this project before you apply.
How to apply: To be considered for this project you must complete a formal application through our online application portal. If you already have an applicant account this link will directly open an application for PhD School of Engineering Scholarships. If you don't already have an applicant account, please follow the instructions here.
When applying, please specify the full title and supervisor/s of the project, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees. You must also upload a Supporting Statement describing the motivation to apply to the project, your CV and transcripts of awarded and in-progress university qualifications. Please note late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester and central to all our activities. A diverse research community strengthens creativity, productivity and quality, while increasing the societal and economic impact of our work. We welcome applicants from all career paths, backgrounds and sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation or transgender status.
We welcome applications from candidates returning to study after a career break or experience in other roles. Flexible study arrangements may be available, including part-time study at 50%, 60% or 80%, subject to the requirements of the project and funder.
Eligibility: The standard academic entry requirement for this PhD is an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree in mechanical engineering, materials science, applied mechanics or related discipline (or international equivalent) OR any upper-second class (2:1) honours degree and a Master's degree at merit in mechanical engineering, materials science, applied mechanics or related discipline (or international equivalent). Interest in combining modelling with experiments is valuable; prior experience in every technique is not expected.
This project will remain open until filled.
If your application is submitted by 1st November 2026, you can expect a decision by 18th December 2026.
If your application is submitted by 15th January 2027, you can expect a decision by 30th March 2027.
Self or externally funded students can also be considered for this project.
FSE_SoE
Funding Notes
Funding for this project covers tuition fees, UKRI minimum annual stipend (currently £21,805/annum) and up to a £2.5k/annum research training support grant for the full duration of the 3.5-year programme.