Computer modelling of flash sintering
Qualification: PhD
Department: School of Engineering
Application deadline: 30 April 2023
Start date: 25 September 2023
Overview
Supervisors
- Professor Jingzhe Pan
- Dr Cathryn Hickey (Industrial Supervisor)
Project description
Flash sintering is an exciting manufacturing technology for technological ceramics in which a direct electric field is applied to a ceramic part during the sintering process. Flash sintering occurs much faster than traditional sintering and uses significantly less energy. Lucideon Ltd, a company based at Stoke On Trent in the UK, is the only facility in the world to have the capability for flash sintering technology development and demonstration at the manufacturing scale. The University of Leicester is internationally renowned for its work in computer modelling of sintering.
The aim of the project is to develop and apply modern computer modelling techniques to obtain greater understanding of flash sintering to accelerate its route to commercialisation. A set of computational tools will be developed, integrated and applied, including finite element method and other digital technologies. The computational studies fall into the general area of computational mechanics of materials.
The candidate will be encouraged to seek employment at Lucideon after successfully completing the PhD study although employment is not guaranteed and subject to the standard recruitment process of the company.
Funding
Funding
This 3.5 year Studentship provides:
- Tuition fee waiver
- Annual stipend at UKRI rates (£17,668 for 2022/23. TBC for 2023/24)
- Coverage of attending international conferences
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
Applicants must have (or expect to obtain) a UK first or upper second-class Bachelor's degree (or overseas equivalent) in Engineering, Mathematics or Physics.
The University of Leicester English language requirements apply where applicable.
Informal enquiries
Informal enquiries
Project enquiries
- Professor Jingzhe Pan (jp165@leicester.ac.uk)
Application enquiries
How to apply
How to apply
To apply, please use the 'Apply' button at the bottom of the page and select September 2023 from the dropdown menu.
With your application, please include:
- CV
- Personal statement explaining your interest in the project, your experience and why we should consider you.
- Degree certificates and transcripts of study already completed and if possible transcript to date of study currently being undertaken.
- Evidence of English language proficiency if applicable.
- In the reference section please enter the contact details of your two academic referees in the boxes provided or upload letters of reference if already available.
- In the funding section please specify that you wish to be considered for the Engineering Studentship.
- In the proposal section please provide the name of the project supervisors and project title (a proposal is not required).
Eligibility
Eligibility
Open to UK and International applicants.
