Engineering

Ultrasonic vibrations can alter the properties of materials, and this phenomenon forms the basis of some widely-used manufacturing and packaging processes. However, the underlying mechanisms of ultrasonically-induced plasticity need to be better understood and modelled to increase the versatility of what is a relatively clean, agile and environmentally friendly technique, particularly in relation to electronics assemblies. This work supports wider efforts around transport electrification, renewable energy and other critical applications. However, the insights gained are expected to have relevance in many fields of research beyond these.

Applicants are invited to contribute to this exciting area of research through a 3-year PhD project which holistically explores and characterises processes of ultrasonically-induced plasticity and discovers how these can be harnessed beyond currently accepted limits to facilitate sustainable welding and sintering. Research will involve the correlative use of advanced materials and mechanical characterisation modalities to map material change both spatially, temporally and the interactions between these three-dimensionally. State-of-the-art equipment available in the Power Electronics Machines Centre and Nanoscale and Microscale Research Centre at Nottingham will be made use of. This is an exciting opportunity to play a role in developing new theories of understanding and predictions of reliability.

The successful applicant will benefit from working collaboratively with other researchers within an inclusive and supportive cross-disciplinary research setting which values different ways of learning and working. Applicants with an interest in getting involved in outreach activities to support inclusive and equitable research will be aided to build and develop these skillsets alongside their research skills.

Funding: A fully funded studentship, which includes UKRI minimum stipend per year, subject to the applicant meeting the conditions of admissions and funding.  Due to the nature of funding only UK applicants can be considered.

Entry Requirements

Candidates must have or (or expect to gain) a very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree or equivalent) in Materials, Manufacturing Engineering, Physics, Chemistry or related discipline.

Feel free to contact Dr Pearl Agyakwa for an informal chat about the project. We look forward to hearing from you.

Please apply here https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/pgstudy/how-to-apply/apply-online.aspx

When applying for this studentship, please include the reference number (beginning ENG and supervisors name) within the personal statement section of the application. This will help in ensuring your application is sent directly to the academic advertising the studentship. 

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The Faculty of Engineering provides a thriving working environment for all 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.