About the project
What if oxide particles, usually viewed as defects, could help magnesium alloys survive the extreme conditions of space? This project will investigate how nanoscale oxides improve resistance to radiation, thermal cycling, using advanced electron microscopy and testing to develop next-generation lightweight materials for future spacecraft and satellites.
Magnesium alloys are among the lightest structural metals and offer significant opportunities for reducing the weight of future spacecraft and satellites. However, their wider adoption is limited by radiation damage, microstructural instability and the extreme temperature fluctuations encountered in space. Oxide particles present in magnesium alloys are traditionally regarded as defects that reduce performance. This project challenges that view by investigating whether nanoscale oxide particles can instead be engineered to improve strength, thermal stability and radiation tolerance.
The project will investigate how oxide particles interact with grain boundaries, dislocations, deformation twins and radiation induced defects in advanced friction processed magnesium alloys. The research will determine how oxide chemistry, size and distribution influence microstructural evolution during thermal cycling and helium ion irradiation, replicating conditions relevant to space applications. Particular attention will be given to understanding whether oxide interfaces can absorb radiation induced defects and thereby reduce damage accumulation.
The project combines advanced materials characterisation and testing techniques, including scanning electron microscopy, electron backscatter diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, low temperature thermal cycling, residual stress analysis, small scale mechanical testing and ion beam irradiation. You'll gain extensive training in state-of-the-art experimental methods and access world leading facilities at the University of Southampton and national ion beam research infrastructure.
The outcomes will establish design principles for oxide strengthened magnesium alloys and support the development of lightweight materials for space, aerospace and defence applications, while providing excellent opportunities for interdisciplinary research, collaboration and professional development.
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.
