Vacancies

We encourage high calibre candidates to apply for scholarships/awards through various funding bodies, e.g. EPSRC, the Royal Society. For further infomation, please contact Prof. Dong directly.

Current vacancies for PhD study include: 

1. Processing technology for aero-engine turbine components

PhD projects in this area include: 1. Grain selection during single-crystal casting of gas turbine blades, 2. Formation of surface defects in single-crystal turbine blades, 3. Materials thermodynamic properties database of Ni-base alloys for advanced processing.

This area of research has been carried out with collaborators from Rolls-Royce. It aims to bring knowledge-inspired decision making to production routes of aero-engine turbine blades. As an example, by detailed examination of modelling results, I originated a patent for producing new single crystals with finer microstructures - a technique is being taken forward by industry. The new processing route results in not only saving manufacturing costs but also leading to new materials with higher performance.

The project will be carried out in collaboration with Rolls-Royce Plc and  Diamond Light Source Ltd

2. Enviromental-induced failure in gas-and oil transportaion systems

The demand for deep-sea oil and gas supply is increasing due to the higher demand on energy and security of energy supply. The pipelines for transporting oil and gas are constructed by joining high strength steel linepipes that are produced through the UOE process involving seam welding (UOE linepipes are produced by forming and seam welding steel plates. UOE stands for the main forming operations involved: U-ing, O-ing and Expanding. Seam welding is performed after O-ing and before pipe Expanding.). Therefore how to achieve a defect-free seam weld with favourable microstructure and properties in UOE linepipe production is of vital importance to the pipelines especially to be laid at deep and ultra-deep waters. The current project is designed with a view to addressing these issues in terms of microstructure evolution and defect formation and avoidance during linepipe seam welding from the first principles, and meanwhile delivering a computer based system for practical applications.

The project will be carried out in collaboration with TWI and  ISIS neutron beamline

Application Requirements:

Applicants should have a good honours degree (either first class or upper second class) or hold an MSc in Materials Science, or a relevant Engineering or Physical Science discipline.

For general admission information, please email Mrs Michelle Pryce (mc41@le.ac.uk); for informal inquires, interested applicants are also encouraged to contact Prof. Dong (email: hd38@le.ac.uk).

For an application form please visit: http://www.le.ac.uk/graduateoffice/application_form.pdf

Please send your completed application form with two academic references to Mrs Michelle Pryce, Department of Engineering, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 7RH, UK.