PhD Studentship in “Liquid Metal Jetting 3D Printing of Novel Multi-Functional and Multi-Material Components”

University of Nottingham - Faculty of Engineering - Division of Manufacturing & Process Technologies

The University of Nottingham’s Faculty of Engineering is one of the premier engineering faculties in the UK. The 2014-15 Times Higher Education World University Rankings for Engineering and Technology Teaching placed Nottingham as 7th in the UK and 74th in the world for teaching, research and international outlook. The last Research Excellent Framework recognised that more than 98% of research conducted in the Faculty was of international quality, with 85% graded as world-leading or internationally excellent. The Faculty is a vibrant and supportive environment in which to work. It provides state-of-the art experimental and computational facilities and attracts leading scholars from around the world, many of whom are leaders in their fields.

Applications are invited for a fully funded PhD studentship (3 years) to work as part of the Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing Research Group (3DPRG). Located within the Faculty of Engineering, the 3DPRG is widely regarded as the world's leading Centre for Additive Manufacturing research, development and dissemination.

Liquid metal jetting 3D printing is a novel technology developed by the 3DPRG in collaboration with Océ-Technologies B.V. Liquid metal jetting 3D printing will enable the fabrication of functional components designed to combine the properties of multiple metals. It is envisaged that this technology,exclusive to the 3DPRG, will open up a number of exciting opportunities including, but not limited to, the fabrication of novel electrical conductive componentry, new generation 3D smart devices and structural multi-functional components.

Liquid metal jetting 3D printing is of great scientific because it offers the typical design freedom associated with additive manufacturing but also the possibility to realise products in metals of different nature during the same printing process. This opens to the possibility to print components with ad hocdesigns that optimise the performance of the part and, at the same time, add functionality.

The aim of the scholarship is to explore the use of several metallic materials for the realisation of such components. The candidate will select ideal material combinations on the basis of their mutual interaction to design novel components with extended functionality. The interdisciplinary nature of the proposed research needs a proactive candidate ready to engage with academic and industrial contacts leaders in various technology fields. This research will be conducted within a wider research team comprising of academics, post-doctoral researchers and technical staff working in a collaborative manner for the success of the technology.

The studentship will cover PhD tuition fees (at the UK/EU rate) and a tax free stipend for three years (£13,863 for the 2014-15 academic year). Students must have a first or upper second class academic qualification in Engineering, Physics or a related subject. A Master’s degree in a similar discipline and/or experience in design for Additive Manufacturing will be an advantage.

Please direct informal enquiries to Prof Richard Hague, via Jill Thurman, email:3dprg<στο>nottingham.ac.uk

To make an application, please send a covering letter stating clearly how you fulfil the requirements of the studentship, your research interests and include a CV, academic transcripts and the names and addresses of two academic referees, to 3dprg<στο>nottingham.ac.uk.

Please quote ref: ENG863

The position will remain open until filled.

Apply