Duration: 4 years.

Project Summary

The High Value Manufacturing (HVM) sector faces increased manufacturing challenges in processing high performance, sometimes anisotropic, materials and also in emerging near net manufacturing techniques. Finish machining of these components requires high accuracy tooling assemblies.

The aim of this EngD is to design, develop and test the next generation of high performance tool holders offering the high precision, low run-out and novel damping performance required to machine heat-resistant super alloys and other exotic materials.

The successful applicant will perform a review of machining dynamics and damping technologies using the existing experience of the AMRC and Nikken in this field. Dynamic models will be created to simulate and evaluate damping mechanisms for optimum tool tip performance. Models of the tool contact and clamping mechanisms will be created to assess optimum tool contact and accuracy minimising tool run out. Machining performance of new designs will be evaluated experimentally.

The applicant will become proficient in machining science with a strong manufacturing, production engineering content and become a key member of Nikken’s collaborative engineering and R&D team.

Eligibility

Applicants must have, or expect to get, a 1st or good 2.1 degree or Masters (with Merit) in a relevant science or engineering subject (e.g mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, materials science, physics, applied mathematics).  A second European language in addition to English will be an advantage, but not essential.

Due to EPSRC residency requirements, this project is open only to UK/EU applicants resident in the UK for at least 3 years immediately preceding the start of the course.

How to Apply for the Studentship

Applications should be submitted online (instructions are available on the IDC website) and include a personal statement.

About Nikken

Nikken is a global company with over 900 staff and a presence in every industrialised country. Nikken Kosakusho Europe Ltd is one of the leading tool holding providers to the European HVM community delivering an innovative product range of precision damped tool-holders. For more information see:www.nikken-world.com/en

About the IDC in Machining Science

The IDC in Machining Science is a unique collaboration between industry, the University of Sheffield's award winning Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre and the Faculty of Engineering.

We are an EPSRC supported Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) offering 10 fully funded four-year PhD and EngD studentships per year. 

Machining Science is the application of engineering theories to improve the machining of metals, alloys and composite materials. It covers a wide range of operations where material is removed as part of the production process (e.g. hole generation, turning and finishing), and crosses many engineering disciplines including dynamics, vibration, tribology, materials science, control systems, drive and actuation systems, and robotics.

Machining Science is a vital research area for companies in the High Value Manufacturing sector (e.g. automotive, aerospace, medical engineering) where at least 25% of the process time for components arises from machining.

Tax free stipend of £18,000 per year, plus tuition fees paid at UK/EU rates.

Taught elements will take place at the University of Sheffield. Research will mainly take place at the AMRC, and at Nikken’s new R&D facility, both based on the Advanced Manufacturing Park at Catcliffe, near Sheffield.