Solid-state Additive Manufactured oxide dispersion-strengthened Magnesium alloys for Aerospace Applications

The aim pf this project is to enhance the performance of Mg alloys in extreme space environments by improving their high-temperature strength, radiation resistance, and overall durability. 

Oxide-dispersion-strengthened (ODS) strategy has been widely used in steel, nickel alloys used in extreme environments such as high-temperature and radiation tolerance applications, but its application to magnesium (Mg) alloys is largely uncharted territory. By uniformly dispersing oxide particles within the alloy matrix, ODS Mg alloys will lead a breakthrough in achieve superior high-temperature strength, enhanced resistance to radiation-induced damage, and improved corrosion resistance. These characteristics make ODS Mg alloys ideal candidates for space applications. Moreover, the advent of solid-state additive manufacturing techniques, such as Additive Friction Stir Deposition (AFSD), offers a novel approach to producing ODS Mg alloys based on our preliminary results where in-situ nano oxide particles were formed. 

The idea of this project is to develop advanced ODS Mg alloys specifically tailored for aerospace applications.  

Aim 1: Developing ODS Mg Alloys to address space environment challenges 

Method: ODS Mg alloys by incorporating nanoparticles will be designed to enhance both strength and radiation resistance. Suitable alloying element pairs like Y and Zn will be added to explore their synergic effect on precipitation strengthening and in-situ oxide particles formation. 

Aim 2: Testing and Validation of Materials in Space-like Conditions 

Method: The ODS Mg alloys will undergo extensive testing (including thermal cycling fatigue tests with mechanical loading under vacuum) using the facilities housed in Cryolab at the School of Engineering.  

For informal enquiries please get in touch with the Dr Dikai Guan – [email protected]  

Funding for this project is offered by the Centre for Doctoral Training in Complex Integrated Systems for Defence & Security (CISDnS), which will recruit motivated and inquisitive candidates across the themes of Digital, Physical and Biological systems to provide a diverse and interconnected cohort training environment. You can read more about the Centre and the training programme at https://cisdns-cdt.ac.uk/  

To discuss aspect related to the CISDnS CDT please contact the directorate – [email protected]  

This PhD studentship is open only to UK applicants. This project is suitable for applicants with 1st class or upper 2:1 degree from Materials Science or Engineering related disciplines. 

CISDnS is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusivity. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking flexible working patterns and those who have taken a career break or are transitioning into a new role. The University has a generous maternity policy, onsite childcare facilities, and offers a range of benefits to help ensure employees’ well-being and work-life balance. 

Closing date: 5th May 2025

Entry requirements: A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent). Following the diversity objectives of CISDnS, we will accept many forms of equivalent prior learning.

Funding: Full-time studentships will cover UK tuition fees and an enhanced tax-free stipend of approx. £24,700 per year for 4 years, along with a substantial budget for research, travel, and centre activities.  

How to apply

Search for a Postgraduate Programme of Study (soton.ac.uk).  

Select Full-time or Part-time, programme type (Research), 2025/26, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, next page select “iPhD Complex Integrated Systems in Defence & Security (Full-Time)” 

In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor Dr Dikai Guan.

Applications should include:

• curriculum vitae giving details of your academic record and stating your research interests
• name two current academic referees together with an institutional email addresses in the Reference section of the application form. On submission of your online application your referees will be automatically emailed requesting they send a reference to us directly by email.
• your academic transcript and degree certificate (translated if not in English) – if you have completed both a BSc & an MSc, we require both.
• include a short statement of your research interests in the Personal Statement section of the application form.