PhD Studentship: Fundamental Studies of Heterogeneous Nucleation

1 month ago


Birmingham, United Kingdom University of Birmingham Full time

ARCANE is a collaborative research project across three leading UK universities and Rolls-Royce plc. The project aims to develop the state-of-the-art scientific understanding of nucleation defect formation within directionally solidified single crystal (SX) castings, and their role in the reduction in mechanical performance, through novel experimental methods, computational materials engineering modelling tools and machine learning methods. The project brings together world-leading experts in both academia and industry, across fields including superalloy metallurgy, microstructure characterisation, investment casting processing, computational modelling of casting processes at a macro-scale / component level and at a dendritic growth level, and machine learning methods for process optimisation.

Project title: Fundamental studies of heterogeneous nucleation

Description: Heterogeneous nucleation occurs within Ni-base superalloys when in the alloys, in molten phase during investment casting, contact with impurity sites at the surface of the ceramic shell. Different chemical element impurities have differing catalysing effects on the heterogeneous nucleation. This PhD project, based at the University of Birmingham and the High Temperature Research Centre (HTRC), will aim to undertake heterogeneous nucleation casting experiments, through controlled elemental impurities, including a comprehensive microstructural characterisation of the heterogeneous nucleation. This will allow for fundamental metallurgical understanding to be developed for heterogeneous nucleation of nickel base superalloys, to allow for prediction and prevention of casting defects.

Candidates should have a 1st class or 2:1 Undergraduate degree or a Masters degree (or equivalent) in Materials Science, or within a related Science & Engineering discipline. A background in microstructural characterisation, computational modelling methods, and/or advanced mechanical testing would be advantageous.

The School of Metallurgy & Materials at the University of Birmingham is committed to promote diversity, equality and inclusivity within our staff and student populations. We aim to encourage better practice for all members of the community, whilst also working towards developing an equitable working culture in which all students and staff can achieve their full potential. We welcome applications from all qualified applicants, and encourage applications from traditionally under-represented groups within materials science and engineering.

To apply for this PhD studentship, please provide: curriculum vitae (CV), Cover Letter summarising your research interests and suitability for the position, and the contact details of two Referees. Please send to Professor Nick Green, the Principal Investigator for the Prosperity Partnership ARCANE project, at the project’s dedicated contact email: ARCANE@contacts.bham.ac.uk.

Funding notes:

The project is funded by the UKRI EPSRC Prosperity Partnerships award. UK Home students are eligible for the full funding package. 



  • Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom University of Birmingham Full time

    ARCANE is a collaborative research project across three leading UK universities and Rolls-Royce plc. The project aims to develop the state-of-the-art scientific understanding of nucleation defect formation within directionally solidified single crystal (SX) castings, and their role in the reduction in mechanical performance, through novel experimental...


  • Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom University of Birmingham Full time

    ARCANE is a collaborative research project across three leading UK universities and Rolls-Royce plc. The project aims to develop the state-of-the-art scientific understanding of nucleation defect formation within directionally solidified single crystal (SX) castings, and their role in the reduction in mechanical performance, through novel experimental...


  • Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom University of Birmingham Full time

    The influence of plastic pollution on our environment has been well documented, however, there remains a knowledge gap between relating to how new polymers and plastics might biodegrade. To this end, we have a fully funded PhD studentship (due to eligibility criteria, only for UK applicants) that will focus on developing sustainable polymer platforms,...


  • Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom University of Birmingham Full time

    ARCANE is a collaborative research project across three leading UK universities and Rolls-Royce plc. The project aims to develop the state-of-the-art scientific understanding of nucleation defect formation within directionally solidified single crystal (SX) castings, and their role in the reduction in mechanical performance, through novel experimental...


  • Birmingham, United Kingdom University of Birmingham Full time

    ARCANE is a collaborative research project across three leading UK universities and Rolls-Royce plc. The project aims to develop the state-of-the-art scientific understanding of nucleation defect formation within directionally solidified single crystal (SX) castings, and their role in the reduction in mechanical performance, through novel experimental...


  • Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom University of Birmingham Full time

    ARCANE is a collaborative research project across three leading UK universities and Rolls-Royce plc. The project aims to develop the state-of-the-art scientific understanding of nucleation defect formation within directionally solidified single crystal (SX) castings, and their role in the reduction in mechanical performance, through novel experimental...


  • Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom University of Birmingham Full time

    The Centre for National Training and Research Excellence in Understanding behaviour (CENTRE-UB) is inviting applications for a Doctoral Studentship in association with our collaborative partners Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) to start in October 2024. Increasingly, people use different personal travel modes (e.g., driving; walking; wheeling; cycling;...


  • Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom University of Birmingham Full time

    PhD Birmingham UK Students The 4-year studentship includes a UKRI-rate stipend (for 24/25 this is £19,237 – paid in monthly instalments) and tuition fees. Full Time 22nd April 2024 16th May 2024The Centre for National Training and Research Excellence in Understanding behaviour (CENTRE-UB) is inviting applications for a Doctoral Studentship in...


  • Birmingham, United Kingdom University of Birmingham Full time

    ARCANE is a collaborative research project across three leading UK universities and Rolls-Royce plc. The project aims to develop the state-of-the-art scientific understanding of nucleation defect formation within directionally solidified single crystal (SX) castings, and their role in the reduction in mechanical performance, through novel experimental...


  • Birmingham, United Kingdom University of Birmingham Full time

    ARCANE is a collaborative research project across three leading UK universities and Rolls-Royce plc. The project aims to develop the state-of-the-art scientific understanding of nucleation defect formation within directionally solidified single crystal (SX) castings, and their role in the reduction in mechanical performance, through novel experimental...


  • Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom University of Birmingham Full time

    ARCANE is a collaborative research project across three leading UK universities and Rolls-Royce plc. The project aims to develop the state-of-the-art scientific understanding of nucleation defect formation within directionally solidified single crystal (SX) castings, and their role in the reduction in mechanical performance, through novel experimental...


  • Birmingham, United Kingdom University of Birmingham Full time

    ARCANE is a collaborative research project across three leading UK universities and Rolls-Royce plc. The project aims to develop the state-of-the-art scientific understanding of nucleation defect formation within directionally solidified single crystal (SX) castings, and their role in the reduction in mechanical performance, through novel experimental...


  • Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom University of Birmingham Full time

    ARCANE is a collaborative research project across three leading UK universities and Rolls-Royce plc. The project aims to develop the state-of-the-art scientific understanding of nucleation defect formation within directionally solidified single crystal (SX) castings, and their role in the reduction in mechanical performance, through novel experimental...


  • Birmingham, United Kingdom University of Birmingham Full time

    ARCANE is a collaborative research project across three leading UK universities and Rolls-Royce plc. The project aims to develop the state-of-the-art scientific understanding of nucleation defect formation within directionally solidified single crystal (SX) castings, and their role in the reduction in mechanical performance, through novel experimental...


  • Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom University of Birmingham Full time

    The burden of medical plastic waste has become an increasingly pressing concern in recent years. The healthcare industry relies heavily on single-use plastic items due to their convenience and hygiene factors, but this has led to a significant environmental problem. Improper disposal and inadequate recycling of medical plastics contribute to pollution,...


  • Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom University of Birmingham Full time

    A fully funded PhD studentship (UK tuition fees) is available in the group of Dr Arno at the University of Birmingham (group website: ) in areas of polymer chemistry with an emphasis on the development of a new range of polymers for applications in materials chemistry and nanotechnology. The project will focus on the design of new polymers that can be used...


  • Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom University of Birmingham Full time

    ARCANE is a collaborative research project across three leading UK universities and Rolls-Royce plc. The project aims to develop the state-of-the-art scientific understanding of nucleation defect formation within directionally solidified single crystal (SX) castings, and their role in the reduction in mechanical performance, through novel experimental...


  • Birmingham, United Kingdom University of Birmingham Full time

    ARCANE is a collaborative research project across three leading UK universities and Rolls-Royce plc. The project aims to develop the state-of-the-art scientific understanding of nucleation defect formation within directionally solidified single crystal (SX) castings, and their role in the reduction in mechanical performance, through novel experimental...


  • Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom University of Birmingham Full time

    PhD Birmingham UK Students Please refer to the advert text Full Time 2nd May 2024 30th August 2024Geotechnical, tunnelling and mining industries are constantly challenged by problematic soils with low strength, both high expansivity (swell shrink) and high collapsibility behaviours, and a suite of other challenging engineering behaviours. As such these...


  • Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom University of Birmingham Full time

    A PhD Studentship is available for a suitably qualified candidate to conduct research leading to the award of a PhD degree in the fields of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering. The successful candidate will join the world-leading Advanced Nano Materials, Structures and Applications (ANMSA) Group, one of the leading academic groups in the field of development...