Location
University of Nottingham

Hours
Full-time, 4-year PhD studentship

Salary
Tax-free stipend of up to £26,780 per annum, tuition fees at UK rates covered, plus £4,000 research training support grant

About the Role
Applicants are invited to undertake a 4-year enhanced stipend PhD studentship within the Digital Metal Centre for Doctoral Training at the University of Nottingham. This PhD programme, in partnership with Rolls-Royce, focuses on the development of advanced thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) for aero-engine components, addressing key challenges for next-generation coatings used in extreme environments.

Advanced TBCs protect critical parts such as Ni superalloy turbine blades, ensuring reliable and efficient operation under high temperatures and pressures. However, external contaminants like Calcium Magnesium Alumina and Silicates (CMAS) can infiltrate and accelerate coating degradation. This research aims to develop novel protective chemistries that can be deposited in situ to safeguard TBC systems.

The project combines fundamental material science, coatings technologies, and advanced thermal spray deposition systems with digital technologies to evaluate TBC degradation and environmental contaminants. It also leverages bespoke continuum robotic systems to demonstrate the feasibility of in-situ coating application. This work bridges the gap between advanced material science theory and industrial implementation challenges.

The coatings will be manufactured using plasma spray and mini-combustion flame spray techniques, examined via SEM/EBSD, and tested in burner rigs and furnace thermal cycling. As part of the CDT cohort, students will have access to tailored courses, mentoring, career support, and conference opportunities.

Experience
Applicants should have a strong background in materials, mechanical, manufacturing, chemistry, or related disciplines. Experience with experimental research is essential.

About you
You should be motivated, enthusiastic about advanced materials research, and keen to work in a collaborative academic and industrial environment. Strong analytical and experimental skills are important for success in this project.

Qualifications
The candidate must hold at least an equivalent of a UK MEng 2.1 class degree in a relevant discipline, with at least 70% in the project element. This is an experimental research project based at the University of Nottingham.