This is a self-funded PhD position to work with Dr Adnan Syed in the Surface Engineering and Precision Centre. The PhD project will focus studying high temperature corrosion mechanisms in details to identify the material degradation and coatings applications details in extreme environments. A novel techniques/method will be developed with focus on better prediction and more accurate measurement of high temperature corrosion rate involving mathematical models validated through simulation, experiments and analysis.

Gas Turbines are used as a multipurpose power source in various applications like aviation, power generation, shipping and oil & gas industry. Gas turbines typically operate at very high temperatures. The material advancements and use of latest cooling mechanisms have led to even greater operating temperatures in modern Gas Turbines. During the operation of gas turbines, such high temperatures are coupled with the impurities or ash compounds like Sulphur, halides, sodium and vanadium. In certain cases, these contaminants may be consumed from the operating environment; as in the case of NaCl, marine atmosphere plays the part while the industrial environment can be attributed to the presence of Sulphur. These factors introduce the requirement for giving focused and increased attention to hot corrosion phenomenon. Contrary to oxidation, hot corrosion can result in erratically rapid material loss, compromising the loadcarrying capacity of the GT components and ultimately leading to catastrophic failure. The lack of ability of early detection and timely prevention of hot corrosion has resulted in many engine failures leading to accidents with even loss of precious lives.

The combustion chamber and the turbine sections of the gas turbine are most prone to high temperature environmental attack because of having the highest temperature in the Gas Turbine. Metals and alloys experience increased oxidation rate when a thin fused salt film covers their surfaces in an environment having oxidizing gas with elevated temperatures. This phenomenon is known as “Hot Corrosion”, also called high-temperature corrosion. In other words, the formation of a permeable non-protective oxide film at metal or alloy surface having sulphides in the substrate and lacking the involvement of aqueous electrolytes.

You will investigate various alloys types and corrosion testing methods to determine a suitable alloy and coating system The project includes a detailed literature survey leads to the development of a test matrix, includes test conditions, type of alloys used including bare or coated alloys. The project includes testing the material in the facility available at Cranfield’s high temperature corrosion laboratory. A detailed analytical phase. for better understanding of the microstructure, requires working on the advanced microscopy tools such as SEM/EDX, FIB and TEM. Also use dimensional metrology for metal loss evaluation. Thermodynamics calculations using FactSage software will also be used.

The candidate will be based at the Surface Engineering and Manufacturing Centre, which provides state-of-the-art equipment for the testing, analysis and characterisation of materials, of exposed corroded materials. The Centre also houses sold network with aerospace sector which help the students in the result discussions This is a self-funded PhD open to UK, EU and international applicants.

Research carried out during this PhD project will lead to better understanding of hot corrosion that will eventually: 

  • Enable early failure identification.
  • Enable material selection criteria for alloys and coatings systems.
  • Increase alloys and coating material knowledge of performance in extreme environment.
  • Improve gas turbine material outcome.

Although the research proposed here will focus on gas turbine, by changing the testing conditions, the technology developed here could be easily adapted for aerospace conditions.

You will work in a multidisciplinary environment consisting of material scientist, chemists, engineers, physicists, metrologist. During the PhD, you will gain the invaluable experience of working at the intersection of several research fields with the challenges and opportunities that this represents. On addition, this self-funded PhD project includes the ability to participate in industry-led research initiatives and access to the Cranfield Doctoral Training Network.

You will gain knowledge of high temperature materials application for energy and aerospace sector. The knowledge of alloys material behaviour in aggressive conditions and its serviceability for the relevant sector. The micro level analysis of the material structure would enable you to understand science better at atomic level. You will learn the skills of presenting the results to small and large groups of people via presentations in conferences and meetings.

At the end of the PhD, you will have become a well-rounded independent scientist with the possibility to progress your career either in academia or industry in several research areas from material science and engineering to energy and aerospace alloys materials.

At a glance

  • Application deadlineOngoing
  • Award type(s)PhD
  • Duration of award3 years
  • EligibilityUK, EU, Rest of world
  • Reference numberSATM442 and SATM443

Supervisor

Dr Adnan Syed

Dr Fabian Duarte Martinez

Dr Simon Gray

Entry requirements

Candidates should have a minimum of an upper second (2:1) honours degree (or equivalent) preferably in one of the following disciplines: Chemistry/ Physics/ Mechanical engineering/ Material Science or related fields. Candidates with a MSc degree in these disciplines will be desirable.

Funding

Self-funded.

Explore financial support opportunities in our .

Cranfield Doctoral Network

Research students at Cranfield benefit from being part of a dynamic, focused and professional study environment and all become valued members of the Cranfield Doctoral Network. This network brings together both research students and staff, providing a platform for our researchers to share ideas and collaborate in a multi-disciplinary environment. It aims to encourage an effective and vibrant research culture, founded upon the diversity of activities and knowledge. A tailored programme of seminars and events, alongside our Doctoral Researchers Core Development programme (transferable skills training), provide those studying a research degree with a wealth of social and networking opportunities.

How to apply

For further information please contact:

Name: Dr Adnan Syed

Email: adnan.syed@cranfield.ac.uk

If you are eligible to apply for this research studentship, please complete the online application form for your desired start date.

Start date Application deadline  
30 September 2024 24 July 2024
27 January 2025 27 November 2024