PERSONAL STATEMENT

I am writing to express my strong suitability for the PhD position in BCAST's project, "Development of New
Casting Aluminium Alloys." With a solid academic foundation and a diverse range of research experiences, I am
confident that I possess the skills and knowledge necessary to contribute effectively to this project.

My educational journey has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of materials science, engineering,
and manufacturing processes. I obtained a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from VIT University,
India, where I first performed sand casting as part of manufacturing technologies lab work and then as part of my
thesis, delved into the intricacies of Resistance Spot Welding. This experience sharpened my problem-solving
skills and honed my ability to optimize manufacturing processes.

To further expand my expertise, I decided to pursue a master's degree in Product Development and Management
(Manufacturing) at Cranfield University, UK. Currently, I am working on my thesis on the preparation of a novel
Bulk Metallic Glass (BMG) alloy for extreme conditions through suction casting, which further has allowed me to
delve deep into the realm of casting, material characterization and analysis. I conducted X-ray Diffraction,
Electron probe Micro Analysis to understand the alloy's structure and employed various mechanical and thermal
tests to assess its properties. This research experience equipped me with a strong foundation in alloy
development, analysis techniques, and the interpretation of experimental results.

The "Development of New Casting Aluminium Alloys" project at BCAST perfectly aligns with my research interests
and future aspirations. I am particularly drawn to the industrial relevance of this project as the need for
lightweight structures is increasing in various industries such as aerospace, automotive, and transportation.
Aluminium alloys offer excellent strength-to-weight ratios, making them ideal for lightweight structural
applications. Enhancing the mechanical properties of aluminium alloys through the development of new casting
alloys can lead to more efficient and sustainable designs. I am excited to contribute to the optimization of the
selected Al alloys, investigate strengthening mechanisms under different conditions, and evaluate their
mechanical properties at varying temperatures.

Beyond my technical skills, I am a dedicated and meticulous researcher who thrives in a collaborative
environment. I have successfully worked in research teams, effectively communicating and coordinating efforts to
achieve project objectives. I value open dialogue and feedback, understanding their pivotal role in refining
research outcomes. I gained these skills as part of my master’s group project titled “Set-based Design Application
on Dates Harvesting Machine” which was funded by the National Centre for Palms and Dates in Saudi Arabia. This
enhanced my group working skills and also provided me an insight of how to communicate with industries.

In conclusion, my educational background, research experiences, and skills make me an ideal candidate for this
PhD. I possess a strong passion for alloy development and a deep understanding of materials science and
engineering principles. I am eager to contribute to the project, working alongside esteemed supervisors and
fellow researchers at BCAST. Given the opportunity, I am confident that I can make significant contributions to
the field and achieve impactful results.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my suitability further.

Sincerely,
Priyansh Khandelwal
Priyansh.khandelwal.548@cranfield.ac.uk