PhD Studentship: Fatigue in Titanium Alloys – Establishing the Mechanisms of Crack Initiation and Propagation Striation Formation

3 weeks ago


Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom University of Southampton Full time

Supervisory Team: Philippa Reed

PhD Supervisor: Philippa Reed

Project description:

Ti fan blades contain complex two phase microstructures that exhibit quite strong textures (where grains show significant alignment). This can affect the process of initiation (via slip band formation) and how these slip bands interact to produce crack propagation. Different Ti alloys (with different amounts of overall texture) will be examined at a range of service temperatures. The ability to visualize processes occurring at the crack tip at a fine scale and during crack initiation will be used to assess and describe the micromechanisms operating in these alloys. Improving our intrinsic understanding of the micromechanisms that control crack initiation and growth in these aerospace engine alloys will enable their optimized use by Rolls Royce. This project will use advanced microstructural characterization techniques (SEM, EBSD, EDX, TEM and X-ray CT) to analyse both the evolution of Ti alloy microstructure and also how fatigue defects evolve and develop under typical fatigue conditions seen in service.

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. As well as carrying out research training in a world-leading research group, membership of CISDnS will provide the opportunity for you to be exposed and trained to handle the interdisciplinary challenges faced in the real-world via a Systems Thinking approach. You will learn about the wider challenges of research and innovation within the Defence & Security sector from both your peers and the numerous industry partners supporting the Centre.

This PhD studentship is open only to UK applicants. This project is suitable for applicants with engineering or physical sciences backgrounds. We welcome applicants onto the CDT from underrepresented groups.

To discuss technical details about the projects please contact:

Philippa Reed ().

To discuss aspect related to the CISDnS CDT please contact the directorate, Email

Entry Requirements

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

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: Full-time studentships will cover UK course fees and an enhanced tax-free stipend of approx. £23,500 per year for 4 years along with a substantial budget for research, travel, and centre activities. A number of studentships are available and will be awarded on a rolling basis, so you are encouraged to apply early for the best opportunity to be considered.

How to apply

Apply online by clicking the 'Apply' button, above.

Select programme type (Research), 2024/25, Faculty of Physical Sciences and Engineering, next page select "Integrated PhD in Complex Integrated Systems for Defence and Security "

In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor Philippa Reed

Applications should include:

  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Two reference letters
  • Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date

For further information please contact: feps-pgr-

Full-time studentships will cover UK course fees and an enhanced tax-free stipend of approx. £23,500 per year for 4 years along with a substantial budget for research, travel, and centre activities



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