This PhD is a 3 year CASE award studentship between WMG and our industrial partner Tata Steel. Provisional start date is 1^st October but can start sooner.

Supervisor:  Dr Darren Hughes

Project
There are a number of advantages of using well-established conventional joining technique, such as cost effective and high speed. However, there are some drawbacks when considering the techniques for metal to carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) joining.

The limitations of CFRP compare to metal in conventional joining processes are poorer creep resistance, lower mechanical characteristics, and greater thermal expansion; furthermore the cutting, piercing or drilling processes could affect the continuity of fibre structure.

The PhD project will seek to optimise the use of the Self Pierce Riveting (SPR) on a metal-carbon fibre reinforce plastic (CFRP) hybrid vehicle body, which including metal in sheet and casting forms. The studentship will also investigate the feasibility of the using other conventional joining techniques on metal-CFRP heterogeneous joining.

Design skills and numerical modelling together with a practical development of prototype joining will be involved in the design and development work. The studentship will involve liaising with the other collaborating industrial and academic partners involved in the project and developing a good understanding of the overall process for mass production application. The student will work under the supervision of an industrial supervisor and an academic supervisor as part of a vibrant interdisciplinary team.

Entry Requirements

Students should have, or expect to obtain, a first-class or a 2:1 honours degree, or a distinction or high merit at MSc level in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related discipline that includes courses in metallurgy or material science.

Students should be able to demonstrate an interest in CFRP-metal joining applications, and should have good written and oral presentation skills as well as strong analytical and practical skills.

Previous experience with design of experiment and practical experimental test rigs would be an advantage.

Due to funding regulations application is restricted to UK students only.

If you are interested in applying please email us at engd<στο>warwick.ac.uk, phone us on 024 765 23837 or fill out our online enquiry form.