Area
Engineering
Location
UK Other
Closing Date
Friday 28 February 2025
Reference
ENG219
This project is an exciting opportunity to undertake industrially linked research in partnership with Laser Processing Group at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC). It is based within the Advanced Materials Research Group (AMRG) at the Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, which amongst its wide research portfolio, conducts cutting edge research into the development of next-generation manufacturing technologies for advanced materials.
This 3-year fully funded studentship is only open to UK home students. The successful applicant will receive a generous tax-free annual stipend of £25,000 plus payment of their full-time home tuition fees. Additionally, £2,000 per annum is provided for consumables, travel to conferences, etc. Due to funding restrictions this PhD position is only available to UK nationals. As this position is sponsored by the MTC, any successful candidate would need to pass the sponsors own security checks prior to the commencement of the PhD.
Vision
This PhD project focuses on developing an innovative co-axial water-mist-assisted high-power laser processing system that could revolutionise the field. The research will involve design, simulation, prototyping, and experimentation utilising a newly developed nozzle assembly, to drive the advancement of next-generation laser processing technology.
Motivation
Laser-based manufacturing is a critical technology used across industries ranging from motorsports to space. However, while current state-of-the-art high-power laser processing performs well with conventional metals and alloys, it falls short when addressing the needs of advanced materials such as ceramics, composites, and coated alloys. These materials often have low thermal conductivity or internal interfaces that introduce unique thermally induced damage mechanisms, posing significant challenges.
This PhD project aims to research and develop innovative solutions to enable high-power lasers to process advanced materials effectively. The focus is on creating an innovative water-mist-assisted laser processing technology. By utilising the cooling effects of a precisely controlled mist film, this approach minimises thermally induced damage, paving the way for efficient processing of advanced materials.
The technology developed through this project will have transformative implications for industries such as motorsports, space exploration, and aerospace. Both the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) and the University of Nottingham (UoN) bring a wealth of expertise and a strong track record in laser-based technologies, ensuring the success and industrial relevance of this research.
Aim
This PhD project aims to advance the next generation of laser technologies by building on current knowledge and expertise. The research will focus on the design, simulation, and development of a novel co-axial water-mist nozzle for high-power laser applications. The nozzle will be integrated into an experimental test rig to evaluate and demonstrate its performance on a variety of advanced and challenging materials. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning techniques will be employed to analyse experimental data, enabling deeper insights and faster optimisation of the nozzle design/performance. Successful implementation of this solution is expected to significantly impact the future of high-power laser material processing for advanced materials.
As a PhD student, you will work with both academics from the Advanced Materials Research Group at University of Nottingham, supported by their state-of-the-art materials characterisation facilities, and also have the opportunity to work with the Laser Processing Group at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC). This will give you real-world experience in working within in an industrial company, as well as experiencing the workplace and culture within it.
The innovative nature of this research is anticipated to result in several high-impact journal publications. As part of your PhD, you will have the opportunity to present your work at international conferences, enabling you to directly share your findings with the global research community.
Who we are looking for
We are looking for an enthusiastic, self-motivated candidate, with a 1st or high 2:1 degree (or MSc with merit or distinction) in Engineering or Physical Sciences or a related discipline.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. The Faculty of Engineering (FoE) provides a thriving working environment for all Postgraduate Researchers (PGRs) creating a strong sense of community across research disciplines. Community and research culture is important to our PGRs and the FoE support this by working closely with our Postgraduate Research Society (PGES) and our PGR Research Group Reps to enhance the research environment for PGRs. PGRs benefit from training through the Researcher Academy’s Training Programme, those based within the Faculty of Engineering have access to bespoke courses developed for Engineering PGRs. including sessions on paper writing, networking, and career development after the PhD. The faculty has outstanding facilities and works in partnership with leading industrial partners.
The MTC is an independent Research and Technology Organisation (RTO) aimed at de-risking and accelerating the adoption of disruptive technologies within the UK manufacturing sphere. Supported by the UK government, the MTC works closely with industrial partners and other research organisations to deliver world leading innovation across all levels of the UK’s industrial landscape, from SMEs and start-ups to OEMs and large-scale global manufacturers. For more information, please visit the MTC website.
Contact
For further information on this PhD position please contact Dr Katy Voisey (katy.voisey@nottingham.ac.uk) or Priyanka Ghosh (Priyanka.Ghosh@the-mtc.org) or Sundar Marimuthu (Sundar.Marimuthu@the-mtc.org).
Closing Date: 28th February 2025.
Proposed PhD Start Date: 1st October 2025.