Finding and understanding mechanical weak-links in porous metamaterials and additively manufactured parts

Supervisory Team: Andrew Hamilton, Mark Mavrogordato

Project description:

Porous metamaterials derive their properties and functionality not only from the material of which they are made, but also from the shape and configuration of material and pores in space. Examples include polymer foams containing spherical pores due to expansion of entrapped gas during processing, cancellous bone made up of struts and plates that grow and adapt in response to external loading, or additively manufactured (AM) lattice materials that resemble space truss structures like the Eiffel tower that are shrunk down to smaller length scales. These materials are used for myriad applications, such as foam cushioning used to absorb impact, or as part of lightweight structural elements in transport applications like aircraft and automobiles. The mechanical properties of these metamaterials can be severely impacted when the porous architecture (shape and configuration in space) deviates from the surrounding material (i.e. a larger gas pore in foams) or an intended design (i.e. a missing truss element in an AM lattice).

This project aims to identify, detect, understand, and suggest mitigations for the effects of deviations in porous architecture on the properties and performance of porous metamaterials. It will make use of state-of-the-art facilities and expertise in additive manufacturing (AM), mechanical testing, and characterisation to design, manufacture, and study porous metamaterials. The µ-VIS X-ray Imaging Centre at the University of Southampton will enable X-ray computed tomography (XCT) to be used as a key tool for volumetric imaging, deformation measurement, and analysis of porous architectures. The work will be conducted in collaboration with an industrial partner with interests in defence and UK national security. There will be opportunities for placement within the sponsor organisation during the project and potential for future employment.

Applicants with strong interests and backgrounds in mechanics of materials, solid mechanics, or computational modelling and image analysis are encouraged to apply.

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Dr Andrew R. Hamilton, Engineering Materials Research Group, Email: a.r.hamilton@soton.ac.uk.

Entry Requirements

A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent).

Closing date: 31 August 2024. Applications will be considered in the order that they are received, the position will be considered filled when a suitable candidate has been identified.

Funding: We offer a range of funding opportunities for both UK and international students, including Bursaries and Scholarships. For more information please visit PhD Scholarships nearmejobs.eu Doctoral College nearmejobs.eu University of Southampton Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis, so apply early for the best opportunity to be considered.

How To Apply

Apply online: HERE Select programme type (Research), 2024/25, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, next page select “PhD Engineering & Environment (Full time)”. In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor Andrew Hamilton

Applications should include:

Research Proposal

Curriculum Vitae

Two reference letters

Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date

For further information please contact: feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk