About the project
Hard facing alloys, such as those used in nuclear power plant, are composite materials comprising carbides (and other hard phases), in galling resistant metallic matrices. Examples of this include cobalt-based alloys. However, due to cobalt activation by a neutron flux, iron-based hard facings are now in development and deployment.
While the role of the matrix has been more extensively studied, the role of the hard phase is less well understood. Evidence suggests that increasing the hard phase content increases the galling resistance of the alloy, albeit at the expense of factors such as ductility.
This project aims to examine the role of the hard phase in supporting galling resistance and developing a microstructural model. This allows the role of the hard phase to be investigated under a range of operating loads informed by experiments.
This project will be sponsored by Rolls-Royce Submarines, Derby. As a PhD student, you’ll receive invitations to their annual sponsored student conference.
You’ll be able to attend two international conferences and gain skills in surface engineering, advanced experimental techniques, modelling and research-industry interactions.
Also there will be opportunities for short placements or possible future employment with RR.
The project will involve interaction with researchers at Imperial, Nottingham, Sheffield and access to rigs at the Henry Royce Institute.
