Key Information
Funding providers: EPSRC IDLA and Constellium
Subject areas: Materials Science & Engineering
Project start date: 1 October 2025 (Enrolment open from mid-September)
Supervisors:
- Dr Elizabeth Sackett
- Professor Robert Lancaster
Aligned programme of study: PhD in Materials Engineering
Mode of study: Full-time or part-time
Project description:
The fatigue behaviour of the CSTM 6xxx series range of alloys is not well known. As they have potential for use in higher stress areas of automotive vehicles, this subject is becoming increasingly of interest, including the effect of microstructure on the fatigue performance. This includes both solid sections and hollow extruded products. The additional interest in alloys with lower embedded CO2 levels is also of interest. Increasing the levels of post-consumer scrap in 6xxx series alloys is also unknown. Fatigue behaviour is known to be sensitive to microstructure and the increased levels of elements known to influence material behaviour (Fe, Si, Mn etc.) is likely to have an effect. Understanding how the additional scrap content of the alloys affects the fatigue behaviour is very important.
The objectives of this PhD would be to explore the microstructure of standard and recycled 6xxx series alloys and how this would affect fatigue behaviour. This would involve fatigue testing of the alloys, including round bar, flat strips and hollow profiles, to determine the effect of the higher levels of scrap on the fatigue behaviour and performance of the alloys. In depth microstructural analysis would be required to determine how changes in microstructure, including type, shape and composition of precipitates and intermetallics, may change the behaviour of the alloy. Study of bulk material structures, surface effects, and fracture surfaces would also formulate part of this work.
Eligibility
Entry Requirements
Applicants for PhD must hold an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level (or Non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University) in Engineering or similar relevant science discipline. See – Country-specific Information for EU and International Candidates.
English Language
IELTS 6.5 Overall (5.5+ each comp.) or Swansea University recognised equivalent. Full details of our English Language policy, including certificate time validity, can be found here.
Funding
This scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees and an annual stipend at UKRI rate (currently £20,780 for 2025/26).
Additional minimum enhanced stipend payment of £2000 per annum and funding for other expenses (e.g. conferences, fieldwork).
How to Apply
To apply, please complete your application online here with the following information
- Course choice
(Full Time) Materials Engineering / PhD / Full-time / 3 Years / October
Or
(Part Time) Materials Engineering / PhD / Full-time / 4 Years / October
2. Start year– please select 2025
3. Funding (page 8 on the application process)–
In the event you have already applied for the above programme previously, the application system may issue a warning notice and prevent application, in this event, please email pgrscholarships@swansea.ac.uk where staff will be happy to assist you in submitting your application.
- ‘Are you funding your studies yourself?’ – please select No
- ‘Name of Individual or organisation providing funds for study’ – please enter ‘RS788 Materials Eng’
*It is the responsibility of the applicant to list the above information accurately when applying, please note that applications received without the above information listed will not be considered for the scholarship award.
One application is required per individual Swansea University led research scholarship award; applications cannot be considered listing multiple Swansea University led research scholarship awards.
NOTE: Applicants for PhD/EngD/ProfD/EdD – to support our commitment to providing an environment free of discrimination and celebrating diversity at Swansea University you are required to complete an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Monitoring Form in addition to your programme application form.
Please note that completion of the EDI Monitoring Form is mandatory; your application may not progress if this information is not submitted.
As part of your online application, you MUST upload the following documents (please do not send these via email):
- CV
- Degree certificates and transcripts (if you are currently studying for a degree, screenshots of your grades to date are sufficient)
- A cover letter including a ‘Supplementary Personal Statement’ to explain why the position particularly matches your skills and experience and how you choose to develop the project.
- Two references (academic or previous employer) on headed paper or using the Swansea University reference form. Please note that we are not able to accept references received citing private email accounts, e.g. Hotmail. Referees should cite their employment email address for verification of reference.
- Evidence of meeting English Language requirement (if applicable).
- Copy of UK resident visa (if applicable)
- Confirmation of EDI form submission
Informal enquiries are welcome; please contact Dr Elizabeth Sackett e.sackett@swansea.ac.uk
*External Partner Application Data Sharing – Please note that as part of the scholarship application selection process, application data sharing may occur with external partners outside of the University, when joint/co- funding of a scholarship project is applicable.
