Location
University of Nottingham, Central London

Hours
Full-time, 4-year PhD programme

Salary
Tax-free stipend of up to £26,780 per annum

About the Role
This 4-year enhanced stipend PhD studentship is offered within the Digital Metal Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) at the University of Nottingham, in partnership with Rolls-Royce. The project focuses on the development of advanced thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) for aero-engine components, addressing key challenges related to extreme operating environments. TBCs protect critical parts such as Ni superalloy turbine blades, ensuring reliable and efficient engine performance under high temperatures and pressures. However, contaminants like Calcium Magnesium Alumina and Silicates (CMAS) can degrade these coatings. This research aims to develop novel protective chemistries that can be deposited in situ to safeguard TBC systems, combining material science, coating technologies, and advanced thermal spray deposition methods. The project also explores the use of bespoke continuum robotic systems to demonstrate the feasibility of in-situ coating application. The coatings will be manufactured using plasma spray and mini-combustion flame spray techniques, with analysis conducted via SEM/EBSD and testing in burner rigs and furnace thermal cycling. As part of the CDT cohort, students will benefit from tailored courses, mentoring, career support, and conference opportunities, bridging fundamental research with industrial application to advance sustainable aerospace technologies.

Experience
Applicants should have a strong background in materials science, mechanical engineering, manufacturing, chemistry, or related disciplines. Experience in experimental research and coating technologies is advantageous.

About you
You are motivated, enthusiastic about advanced materials research, and keen to contribute to innovative aerospace solutions. You should be able to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team and demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

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