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Prof Ping Xiao

Supervisor

This PhD project will accelerate the development of novel environmental barrier coatings required for ceramic matrix composite components for the next generation of higher temperature aero-engines in collaboration with Rolls-Royce through machine learning. Silicon carbide-based ceramic matrix composites (SiC-SiC CMCs) are being developed to transform aeroengine design by replacing nickel-based superalloys in the hot section of an aero-engine, due to their superior high-temperature mechanical properties and lower density e.g. density of CMCs is about one third density of superalloys. The use of the lighter weight CMCs would allow engine operating at higher temperature, using less cooling air, and therefore fuel. However, environmental barrier coatings (EBCs) are required to protect SiC-SiC CMCs from steam corrosion in engine environment. Without EBCs, the underlying substrates rapidly degrade in the hostile gas-turbine environment, so the failure of the EBCs is life limiting for the entire component. To introduce EBCs into aero-engine service, extensive research on manufacture, characterization and testing of EBCs has been carried out over decades. A range of materials have been investigated, but the current state-of-the art EBCs are based on ytterbium disilicate deposited via the air plasma spraying (APS) process.

Host Institution: University of Manchester

Dr Theodosia Stratoudaki

Supervisor

This PhD study aims to develop the world’s first laser ultrasound array system for real-time, remote and couplant-free ultrasonic microstructural characterisation of metallic parts using Artificial Intelligence (AI). This system will enable the development, deployment and experimental validation of real-time, in-process, microstructural monitoring of manufacturing processes, a key step towards sustainable and reliable manufacturing of high-value, safety-critical components. In the long term, this material characterisation capability will form the basis of a feedback loop with manufacturing parameters, enhancing control over material properties of parts and enabling bespoke material microstructures.

Host Institution: University of Strathclyde