About the project
This project investigates the failure mechanics of next-generation thermal barrier coatings produced by suspension plasma spray and solution precursor plasma spray, an area where computational modelling remains largely unexplored. It will develop multiphysics models of degradation under extreme thermal and chemical conditions to guide high-performance coating design for aerospace and energy.
Advanced thermal barrier coatings (TBCs), are essential for protecting components under ultra-high temperatures in aerospace, energy, and defence applications. As gas turbines push toward even higher operating temperatures to improve efficiency and sustainability, understanding the mechanisms of coating degradation under extreme thermal and chemical conditions is increasingly critical.
This project focuses on next-generation TBCs produced by suspension plasma spray (SPS) and solution precursor plasma spray (SPPS). These cost-effective techniques create strain-tolerant coating architectures designed to mitigate failure under severe thermal loads. While experimental studies have investigated coating performance, the underlying degradation mechanisms remain poorly understood due to a lack of modelling efforts.
The project will develop robust multiphysics models to describe degradation of these next-generation TBCs under gas-turbine-relevant conditions, including thermal cycling, prolonged high-temperature exposure, and chemical attack by molten sand deposits such as calcia–magnesia–alumino–silicate (CMAS). This research will model the resulting cracking and delamination, explicitly accounting for microstructural features unique to SPS and SPPS coatings. Modelling may be complemented by hands-on testing and damage characterization to provide a comprehensive understanding of coating performance.
You'll join a dynamic team bridging aerospace and materials research, with access to high-performance computing and state-of-the-art experimental facilities. By linking microstructure, thermomechanics, and performance, this project offers an excellent opportunity to tackle critical challenges in next-generation turbine technologies, with potential impact on industry leaders such as Rolls-Royce and Siemens.
The School of Engineering is committed to promoting equality, diversity inclusivity as demonstrated by our Athena SWAN award. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking flexible working patterns and those who have taken a career break. The University has a generous maternity policy, onsite childcare facilities, and offers a range of benefits to help ensure employees’ well-being and work-life balance. The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.
