EPSRC DTP – Exploring the nanoscale structure or multicomponent materials

There are a range of materials that incorporate large numbers of elements (often 5 -10 elements) to create large amounts of configurational entropy and so stabilise structures that might not otherwise exist. These materials can be naturally occurring (many mineral systems exhibit this complexity) or they can be synthetic, with a growth of high-entropy alloys research in recent years. To fully understand these materials requires the use of cutting edge characterisation and modelling methods. Recent work in the University of Manchester has shown how nanoscale variations in the composition of apparently single phase materials can influence their properties, stability and applications.

This project aims to develop this understanding further by not only applying advanced electron microscopy methods to determine the structure and composition of materials at the nanoscale but also to use this information as the input into atomistic modelling of the complex alloy systems to predict their stability and behaviour. These characterisation and modelling approaches will be integrated into a full material assessment through the application of different physical conditions, such as varied composition, temperature annealing time, pressure and chemical environment to validate the findings of modelling.

The nature of the project will involve working across a range of facilities and methods. There will be electron microscopy experiments but also the development of novel data analysis and the integration of these results with modelling methods. As such the project will involve a large amount of time working on computer methods. While it is not essential, as a successful applicant would be fuly trained as part of the project, experience with coding would be a very useful asset in this project. Otherwise we are looking for an enthusiastic candidate who is interested in working in an inter-disciplinary field.

Entry Requirements:

Students with, or to achieve, a 2.1 degree or above in a Business and Management or Computer Science related discipline.

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 ‘EPSRC DTP’ and the title / supervisor of the project in the ‘Research Details’ section of the application.