Postgraduate research project

Modelling the role of hard particles in hard facing alloys

Funding
Fully funded (UK and international)
Type of degree
Doctor of Philosophy
Entry requirements
2:1 honours degree
View full entry requirements
Faculty graduate school
Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
Closing date

About the project

This project aims to identify the role and mechanism by which hard phase support galling resistance to support the production of a microstructural model which allows the role of the hard phase to be investigated under a range of operating loads informed by experiments. 

Hard facing alloys, such as those used in nuclear power plant, are composite materials comprising carbides (and other hard phases), in galling resistant metallic matrices. Although the issue is local to valves/operating mechanisms the transfer of debris throughout the system including the core results in activation and plating out of these debris in different parts of the nuclear plant.

This project will be sponsored by Rolls-Royce Submarines, Derby and the student will receive invitations to their annual sponsored student conference. 

The student would have support to attend two international conferences and would gain skills in

  • surface engineering
  • advanced experimental techniques
  • modelling and research-industry interactions.

Also there will be opportunities for short placements or possible future employment with Rolls-Royce Submarines. 

The project will involve interaction with researchers at Imperial, Nottingham, Sheffield and access to rigs at the Henry Royce Institute.

Dave Stewart from Rolls-Royce Submarines will be one of your supervisors.