Multi-scale corrosion assessment of additively remanufactured metallic components

This PhD will investigate the corrosion behaviour of additively remanufactured stainless steel in collaboration with Sulzer. ‘Additive remanufacturing’ utilises additive manufacturing techniques to rework damaged or worn components, restoring their function with notable cost, lead-time and environmental benefits to industry. Despite the unique benefits of remanufacturing, there is a requirement to understand the aqueous corrosion behaviour of additively remanufactured components to enable wider adoption of the technique. This interdisciplinary PhD project will develop the necessary corrosion understanding of remanufactured stainless steel in aqueous CO2-containing environments, typical of geothermal energy and carbon capture infrastructure.<br /> <br /> Additive manufacturing is achieving rapid adoption across manufacturing industries, offering significant advantages over traditional manufacturing through the provision of new design freedoms, material-usage efficiencies, and bespoke production. However, corrosion is a major challenge that can cause rapid degradation of materials as a result of interaction with an aqueous environment. Corrosion behaviour of traditional manufactured materials has been widely studied, but understanding has yet to be established for additively manufactured materials. Developing this understanding is essential, particularly in demanding aqueous CO2-containing environments that can lead to high rates of corrosion. Of particular interest in this project will be the interface between the original traditional manufactured component and the additively remanufactured repair zone, where galvanic and localised corrosion may be initiated. <br /> <br /> We are looking for an enthusiastic graduate with an interest in materials chemistry, engineering materials and/or material science to join this project based between the Schools of Mechanical Engineering and Chemical and Process Engineering. In partnership with Sulzer, additive remanufacturing will be evaluated for application in renewable energy and carbon capture infrastructure, utilising specialised electrochemical techniques and state-of-the-art electron microscopy facilities to evaluate corrosion behaviour. <br /> <br /> <br />

<p><strong>You must be able to start your PhD study by no later than 1 April 2025 as funding is time-limited.</strong></p> <p><strong>Company spotlight</strong></p> <p>Sulzer Ltd is internationally renowned leader in flow equipment technologies; particularly high-performance pumps used in shipping, energy generation, and transportation of fluids. Sulzer has a large-scale manufacturing and testing facility in Leeds. This studentship will hugely benefit from the direct support and mentoring from the research and production staff at Sulzer, complemented by access to equipment and materials to facilitate the research.</p>

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University's website</a>. Please state clearly in the Planned Course of Study section that your are applying for <em><strong>EPSRC DTP Engineering & Physical Sciences</strong></em> and in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <em><strong>Multi-scale corrosion assessment of additively remanufactured metallic components</strong></em> as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/mechanical-engineering/staff/6998/dr-joshua-owen">Dr Joshua Owen</a> as your proposed supervisor.  Please state in the Finance section that you are applying for <em><strong>EPSRC</strong></em> <em><strong>Doctoral Training Studentship – 2024/25</strong></em>.</p> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p> <p>Applications will be considered on an ongoing basis.  Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application.  We also advise that you apply at the earliest opportunity as the application and selection process may close early, should we receive a sufficient number of applications or that a suitable candidate is appointed.</p> <p>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of 28 February 2025:</p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:start; margin-bottom:24px">A highly competitive EPSRC Doctoral Training Partnership Studentship offering the award of fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant of £19,237 per year for 3.5 years.  Training and support will also be included in this studentship.</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing">This opportunity is open to UK applicants only.  All candidates will be placed into the EPSRC Doctoral Training Partnership Studentship Competition and selection is based on academic merit.</p> <p>Please refer to the <a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a> website for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.</p>

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:start; margin-bottom:24px">For further information about your application, please contact Doctoral College Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p>For further information about this project, please contact Dr Joshua Owen by email to <a href="mailto:J.J.Owen@leeds.ac.uk">J.J.Owen@leeds.ac.uk</a></p>