Computational Prediction of Crystallographic Texture Evolution in Metals‌

Our research cuts across the traditional disciplinary boundaries, and we therefore invite applications for research leading to the PhD degree from scientists and engineers in all appropriate subjects who have an interest in any of our research areas.

The main application sectors addressed by our research are: energy conversion; environmental protection; transport; electronics/optoelectronics; and healthcare. Across all themes the research is carried out with strong support from and involvement of industrial organisations. This close collaboration with industry, alongside our first class facilities, ensures that the Department is at the forefront of Materials Science and Engineering research.

Applications are invited for a three-year PhD studentship to develop tools to model the evolution of
materials texture during processing to drive innovation in high value metals used to create sustainable
technologies. This project will focus on linking aspects of crystal plasticity with microstructure with a new
fast Fourier transforms based modelling tool.
Metals are widely used for load-bearing applications in complex environments. Their properties are
dependent on the underlying behaviour of the materials microstructure, which is naturally anisotropic due
to the discreet and crystallographic nature of slip and anisotropic elastic properties based upon the
crystallography of each grain. In this project you will focus on developing efficient methods of modelling
the evolution of crystallographic texture in two-phase alloys using efficient crystal plasticity based upon
the fast Fourier transform. While this project is mainly computational in nature, it will be complemented
with a small experimental programme to generate data with which to validate the modelling effort.
This project will be conducted within HexMat (www.imperial.ac.uk/hexmat), a wider academic consortium
of researchers interested in the behaviour of hexagonal metals. The consortium includes members from
Imperial, Oxford and Manchester Universities as well as industrial support from Rolls-Royce, Timet,
Westinghouse, and EdF. We are transforming understanding in hexagonal metals (e.g. titanium and
zirconium) for use in high value manufacturing and have a wide range of talented individuals who are
collectively working to understand these fascinating alloys in a range of time and temperature regimes.
As a member of this team, you will regularly interact and collaborate with world-leading academics in this
field.

Applicants should have or expect to obtain a good first or upper second class degree (or equivalent) in
Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry or Engineering. This project is well suited to a self-motivated
student, with a keen interest in mechanics and deformation of metals. You should have excellent
communication skills including proven ability to write in English.

Want to improve your English level for admission?
Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• Flexible study schedule
• Experienced teachers
• Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

For those meeting the criterion of having been ordinarily resident in the UK for three years the
studentship will cover tuition fees plus the standard maintenance stipend of £15,863 per annum.