EPSRC DTP – Exploring low temperature physical properties of materials

The physical properties of solids are vital to understanding many physical phenomena. Elastic properties govern behaviours from the propagation of phonons to the dynamics of phase transitions. As such, they are integral to diverse areas of science, such as the interpretation of seismic wave velocities through the deep interiors of planets, and the study of functional materials, such as perovskites, shape- memory alloys, and organic semiconductors.

To understand many of these phenomena and materials properly, knowledge of the full elastic tensor is required. However, the common techniques for measuring elasticity (high-pressure compression studies or time-of-flight ultrasonic measurements) can only make limited measurements. Instead, the bulk elastic properties are usually measured, and mostly on high symmetry materials. Low symmetry systems (monoclinic and triclinic) though represent > 70 % of all organic and 20 % of all inorganic crystals, many of which are of high importance in various fields of science.

In contrast, resonant ultrasound spectroscopy (RUS) offers a rapid, non-destructive, method for determination of elastic constants using a single specimen. In principle, it is possible to determine the full elastic properties of any suitable sample, but determination requires detailed knowledge of the sample’s shape and crystallography, especially at non-ambient temperatures.

In this project we will implement a system for non-ambient temperature RUS with simultaneous neutron diffraction measurements: RUS will determine the elastic properties using the shape and crystallography constrained from neutron diffraction. This unique system will be used to investigate the structure and elasticity of a number of materials to demonstrate the capability of the system. Within the framework of the project, we are keen not be prescriptive, instead the student will be given the scope to develop their own interests and study materials. These materials could be natural or synthetic materials manufactured in the laboratories of the University of Manchester. The first year of the project will be based at the University of Manchester and the following years based at ISIS in Oxfordshire.

We are looking for a strongly motivated student with a background in Earth Sciences, Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Engineering or a related physical science discipline to join our research group. Some knowledge or previous experience in experimental techniques, diffraction measurements, coding, data manipulation and measurement of mechanical or functional properties would be beneficial but not necessary, since you will receive training in all the relevant experimental and analytical methods. You will be encouraged to attend national and international conferences to share your research.

Entry Requirements:

Students with a 2.1 degree or above in Physics, Geology, Earth sciences, materials science, ChemistRy, Engineering or a related subject.

Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact. We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.

We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder). 

How to apply:

You will need to submit an online application through our website here: https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-research/admissions/how-to-apply/ – ensure you mention ‘DTP’ and the title / supervisor of the project in the ‘Research Details’ section of the application.

Applicants who meet entry requirements will be sent a link to an online questionnaire by a member of the Admissions Team, this must be filled out and returned by 28th May 2024 if you wish to be considered.