Supporting Company: Tata Steel

WMG and Tata Steel are seeking a top class candidate to undertake research leading to the award of an International Engineering Doctorate from the University of Warwick.

As a ‘Research Entrepreneur’ on our International Doctorate programme you will have unrivalled access to some of the best teaching and industrial expertise in the world. You will emerge from the four-year programme more confident and better equipped to make a difference to your company and the global marketplace.

This opportunity also provides a substantial tax free stipend equivalent to many graduate jobs.

Project

To arrive at a truly quantitative sensor for phase fractions in Advanced High Strength Steels (AHSS), a number of issues must still be resolved.

It is known that both phase morphology and composition can influence the relation between phase fraction and electromagnetic response. A thorough investigation of these effects for the range of dual phase steel chemistries produced by Tata Steel is required before a calibration procedure for the envisioned sensor can be specified.

Another important issue that will have to be addressed in detail is the effect of bainite on the measurement. Ideally the sensor would distinguish between martensite and bainite. If this is not possible, at least the effect of the presence of bainite on the ferrite fraction measurement must be known.

Extension of the technique to complex phase (CP) and TRIP grades should also be considered to extend the product range for which the sensor can be applied.

Business Need and Opportunity

Recently it has been shown that it is possible to measure the ferrite and martensite phase fractions in dual-phase steels with a non destructive electro-magnetic sensor, where data was collected from a limited number of DP600, DP800 and DP1000 samples. It was demonstrated that there is a clear, qualitative relationship between the sensor signal and tensile strength/martensite fraction.

However, a much larger range of samples needs to be studied to enable the development of a calibrated sensor that can provide quantitative measurements for the full range of DP steels. Such a sensor would allow a fast and cheap quantitative yet non-destructive evaluation of the phase fractions, from which both product development and quality control can benefit greatly.

Entry Requirements

Qualifications

Candidates should have a minimum of an upper second (2.1) honours degree (or equivalent) in an engineering or related discipline.

Due to funding regulations this project is open to Home/EU students only.

Attributes

• High levels of innovative thought and lateral thinking
• Excellent analytical and reporting skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Strong computer skills and the ability to learn new software quickly
• Self-motivated, capable of working with minimal guidance and supervision, and within a team.
• Enthusiasm for the subject

The Studentship

Qualifying students receive an attractive enhanced stipend which could be tax and NI free depending on your personal circumstances, paid by the International Doctorate Centre and topped up by a contribution from Tata Steel. For 2014 this totals approximately £19,000 tax free per annum.

The funding is for four years and will also cover University tuition fees and all course fees as well as a travel allowance to attend courses.

Apply

To apply please complete our online enquiry form and upload your CV.