Postgraduate research project

Realising the potential of additive manufacturing in critical parts: certifying impossible geometries

Funding
Fully funded (UK only)
Type of degree
Doctor of Philosophy
Entry requirements
2:1 honours degree View full entry requirements
Faculty graduate school
Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
Closing date

About the project

This project will develop novel X-ray imaging techniques to inspect modern aerospace components. 

Modern manufacturing techniques, such as 3D printing, allow us to design and build components with very complex shapes. However unless we are able to test each component for internal defects, they can often not be certified to fly. This project will develop X-ray inspection tools to image internal defects in objects with complex shapes.

Aviation is a key source of global CO2 emissions. The design, manufacture and safe operation of more efficient aviation engines is thus key. This can only be achieved using modern design and manufacturing techniques, such as the use of additive manufacturing (AM). The main hurdle that currently prevents the routine use of these techniques in the aerospace industry is however the lack of reliable non-destructive evaluation (NDE) techniques that can guarantee operational safety.

This project will develop novel X-ray based NDE inspection techniques for complex, fuel efficient aeroengine components. In particular, you will develop advanced procedure to optimize X-ray inspection techniques that will be able to reveal internal component defects. Your work will involve sophisticated experimental and simulation using state-of-the-art facilities unique to the UK.

The project is sponsored by Rolls-Royce and will involve regular site visits to Rolls-Royce in the UK.

Working with a well-established group of PhDs and Doctoral researchers, this project will build on many years’ experience within the nationally and internationally recognized µ-VIS labs