PhD Studentship: Predictive Modelling of

Small Crack Formation in Superalloys

Cranfield University

Qualification Type: PhD Placed On: 1st April 2020

Location: Cranfield Closes: 30th June 2020
Funding for: UK Students, EU
Students
Funding amount: £20,000 plus fees
Hours: Full Time, Part Time

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The urgent need for high efficiency engines to produce greener energy drives the increase in operating
temperature of turbine engines. Components that were once considered ‘low risk’ are susceptible to high-
temperature corrosion and fatigue damage.

This PhD position, supported by Rolls-Royce and EPSRC, will innovate the prognosis of fatigue crack
nucleation of single crystals under corrosive environments using multiscale constitutive models.

About this PhD opportunity

Current life prognosis of components is based on empirical crack incubation and growth data. This
approach requires years of data and does not aid in designing new components. Hence, there is a need to
advance life predictions with mechanistic understanding. To mitigate prognosis uncertainty, researchers
developed models informed with physical mechanisms at many length scales. The value added relies on
the lower dependence of damage mechanisms on loading conditions at smaller scales. Hence, advances
in failure prognosis depends on more advanced models that are informed by independent multiscale data.

This PhD studentship will innovate with computational models informed at multiple scales (atomistic, meso
and macro-scales) to predict fatigue failure under environmental corrosion. The student will devise a
crystal plasticity model that will explicitly describe dislocation mechanisms that are responsible for fatigue
crack growth. These simulations will estimate the mechanical fatigue driving force and will inform a lifing
model based in microstructural fracture mechanics. Furthermore, the student will develop a crack
nucleation lifing model based on corrosion driving force that depend on crystallographic diffusion of
species. Finally, life prediction will result from the shortest life from both mechanism.

About the research environment

Cranfield is an exclusively postgraduate university that is a global leader for transformational research and
education in technology and management. This program includes a unique interaction with Rolls-Royce, a
world leader in manufacturing complex engineering assets. We offer a competitive stipend and the
posibility to travel within the UK to meet various collaborators. In addition, we will support the student
attendance to an international conference to present the results.

Entr req irements Applicants sho ld ha e a first or second class UK hono rs degree or eq i alent in a
Entry requirements: Applicants should have a first or second class UK honours degree or equivalent in a
related discipline. Prior experience in finite element modelling and/or testing mechanical properties would
be beneficial.

Applications to be received by: 30/06/2020

Cranfield Campus based students start date: 28 September 2020

Fee status of eligible applicants: UK & EU only

Duration of Award if full time preferred*: 3 years

Duration of Award if part time preferred: 3 years

Supervisors- 1st Supervisor: Gustavo Castelluccio 2nd Supervisor: Simon Gray

Funding: Sponsored by EPSRC and Rolls-Royce, this studentship will provide a bursary of up to £20,000
(tax free) plus fees* for three years. Candidates should demonstrate they qualify with student eligibility
requirements.

For further information please contact:

Name: Dr. Gustavo Castelluccio
Email: castellg@cranfield.ac.uk

Academic profile link: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Gustavo_Castelluccio

If you are eligible to apply for this studentship, please complete the online application form.

Students at Cranfield benefit from being part of a dynamic, focused and professional study environment.
We are committed to promoting a supportive and diverse work environment by promoting a flexible work
style that matches the candidate needs and ample parental benefits.

Advert information

Type / Role:

PhDs

Subject Area(s):

Engineering & Technology

Civil Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Production Engineering & Manufacturing
Chemical Engineering
Metallurgy & Minerals Technology
Other Engineering

Location(s):

South East England

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