PhD Studentship: Optimisation of thermomechanical ageing processing: influence of quenching and[...]

The University of Manchester; Manchester; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK research institution invites applications for a full-time EPSRC Industrial Doctoral Landscape Awards PhD studentship focusing on the optimisation of thermomechanical ageing processing of high-strength aluminium alloys. The successful candidate will receive a tax-free stipend and tuition fees covered for 4 years, with opportunities for industrial collaboration. Candidates should possess a minimum 2.1 honours degree in materials science or related fields. This unique program combines academic research with industrial experience, providing substantial extra maintenance from the industrial sponsor.

Benefits

Tax-free stipend

Full tuition fees covered

Access to state-of-the-art facilities

Industrial collaboration opportunities

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on optimisation of thermomechanical ageing processing.
• Study microstructural evolution during thermomechanical processing.
• Collaborate with industrial partners for real-world applications.

Skills

Knowledge in materials science

Analytical skills

Interdisciplinary teamwork

Education

At least a 2.1 honours degree in materials science/engineering, metallurgy, physics, chemistry, or a related subject

Job description

This 4-year PhD studentship is open to Home (UK) and overseas students. The successful candidate will receive an annual tax‑free stipend set at the UKRI rate (£20,780 for 2025/26; subject to annual uplift), and tuition fees will be paid. We expect the stipend to increase each year. The start date is October 2026.

We recommend that you apply early as the advert may be removed before the deadline.

Applications are invited for a full‑time EPSRC Industrial Doctoral Landscape Awards (IDLA) PhD studentship in research on optimisation of thermomechanical ageing processing: influence of quenching and pre‑ageing on the performance of high‑strength 6xxx aluminium alloys at the Department of Materials, The University of Manchester and in collaboration with Constellium. The successful applicant will receive an annual stipend (bursary) plus payment of their full‑time tuition fees for 4 years.

As the automotive industry intensifies its shift toward lightweight, high‑performance materials, high‑strength and high crush‑resistant AA6xxx AlMgSiCu aluminium alloys are presently the preferred choice for lightweight vehicle structures, including the body‑in‑white and for the light‑weighting and electrification of both on‑ and off‑road vehicles. Optimised thermomechanical ageing process has pushed these alloys to new performance levels, but the quenching and pre‑ageing steps, critical to controlling precipitation behaviour and solute retention, remain insufficiently understood. This project addresses that gap by leveraging advanced microscopy to study microstructural evolution during thermomechanical processing, aiming to refine alloy design and extrusion practices for automotive applications.

The work will be focused on how quenching rate and pre‑ageing steps influence microstructural evolution and performance of AA6xxx aluminium alloys processed via advanced thermomechanical process. Key questions include: i) how does quenching affect precipitate formation, PFZs, and thus the thermomechanical ageing process response; ii) how do variations in alloy chemistry (Si, Mg, Cu) impact quench sensitivity and precipitation behaviour; iii) what role do pre‑ageing conditions—temperature, duration, and natural ageing time—play in shaping microstructural response during ageing; iv) how the resultant microstructural features correlate with mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. Correlative accelerated laboratory testing and analytical electron microscopy will be employed in the project.

This programme provides a unique opportunity to combine pioneering academic research with industrial experience. In addition to access to state‑of‑the‑art facilities, the student also has the opportunity to develop interdisciplinary skills and to work in a team environment involving leading academics and industrial experts. The industrial collaborators at Constellium will work closely with the student during the project, including opportunities for gaining exposure to the industrial manufacturing environment. In addition to the standard EPSRC stipend, substantial extra maintenance is provided by the industrial sponsor.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Prof. Xiaorong Zhou via email to [e-mail].

Applicants should have or expect to achieve at least a 2.1 honours degree in materials science/engineering, metallurgy, physics, chemistry, or a related subject.

To apply, please contact the main supervisor, Prof. Xiaorong Zhou via email to [e-mail]. Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project.