About the project
The aim of this project is to enhance the performance of magnesium alloys in extreme space environments by improving their high-temperature strength, radiation resistance, and overall durability.
Oxide-dispersion-strengthened (ODS) strategy has been widely used in steel, nickel alloys used in extreme environments such as high-temperature and radiation tolerance applications, but its application to magnesium (Mg) alloys is largely uncharted territory.
By uniformly dispersing oxide particles within the alloy matrix, ODS Mg alloys will lead a breakthrough in achieve superior high-temperature strength, enhanced resistance to radiation-induced damage, and improved corrosion resistance. These characteristics make ODS Mg alloys ideal candidates for space applications.
Moreover, the advent of solid-state additive manufacturing techniques, such as Additive Friction Stir Deposition (AFSD), offers a novel approach to producing ODS Mg alloys based on our preliminary results where in-situ nano oxide particles were formed.
The idea of this project is to develop advanced ODS Mg alloys specifically tailored for aerospace applications.
This project aims, first of all, to develop ODS Mg Alloys to address space environment challenges. ODS Mg alloys, by incorporating nanoparticles, will be designed to enhance both strength and radiation resistance. Suitable alloying element pairs like Yttrium (Y) and Zinc (Zn) will be added to explore their synergic effect on precipitation strengthening and in-situ oxide particles formation.
Secondly, this project aims to test and validate materials in Space-like Conditions. The ODS Mg alloys will undergo extensive testing (including thermal cycling fatigue tests with mechanical loading under vacuum) using the facilities housed in Cryolab at the School of Engineering.
The Centre for Doctoral Training in Complex Integrated Systems for Defence & Security (CISDnS) is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusivity. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking flexible working patterns and those who have taken a career break or are transitioning into a new role. The University has a generous maternity policy, onsite childcare facilities, and offers a range of benefits to help ensure employees’ well-being and work-life balance.
