This project is one of a number that are in competition for funding from the University of Bath URSA competition , for entry in September 2025.

Early application is encouraged, as excellent candidates may receive an early offer of a funded place before the end of the year. To be eligible for early consideration, you must apply before 24 November 2024.

Project Background:

Additive manufacturing (AM) is a widely popular manufacturing method that fabricates 3D part by deposing layer upon layer of material. The UK market for 3D printing is expected to grow 11.7% annually to reach a market size of £840 million by 2028 (Mordor Intelligence, 2023). This growth is driven largely due to a focus shift from prototyping to manufacturing valuable items. A popular technique of AM is Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) that is a widely used and known for its versatility, cost-effectiveness, and speed of design. FDM has broad applications in the field of mechanical, aerospace, and biomedical engineering However, the mechanical properties of FDM-printed parts can vary significantly based on several factors, including material type, printing parameters, defects, and post-processing methods.

Developing accurate material models for FDM-printed parts is essential for improving the reliability and predictability of these components in various engineering applications. This project aims to investigate and establish these material models. A wide range of 3D printed specimens will be fabricated and modelled using different materials and parameter combinations. These specimens will then be subjected to mechanical testing, such as tension, compression, and bending tests, to collect data on material behaviour under different loading conditions. The project will utilize Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to validate the developed material models by simulating the mechanical behaviour and validating assumptions against the experiments. Material characterization will be conducted on the FDM filaments and the printed parts to ensure validity with the model.

The final goal is to provide engineers and manufacturers with reliable material models that can be used to predict the mechanical performance of FDM-printed parts accurately. These models will enable the optimization of 3D printing processes, reduce material waste, and enhance the overall quality and consistency of FDM-printed components across various industries.

Candidate requirements:

Applicants must have, or be about to obtain, a UK Honours degree 1 ^st or 2.1, or international equivalent.

Non-UK applicants, who are not currently studying in the UK, must meet the programme’s English language requirement before the application deadline – no exceptions will be considered.

Enquiries:

Informal enquiries are encouraged! Direct these to Dr Tim Harrell - [email protected]

Application Instructions

Please follow the below instructions carefully.

You must make a formal application via the University of Bath’s online application form for a PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Please note that you can apply for a maximum of two PhD projects on this programme.

In the ‘Funding Your Studies’ section, you must select ‘University of Bath URSA’ from one of the drop-down menus.

In the ‘Your PhD project’ section, you must quote the project title in the PhD project title field, and you must quote the lead supervisor’s name in the field ‘Name of intended supervisor at University of Bath.’

If you are applying for two projects, you must quote the project title for your second choice project in the field ‘Project 2 Title’ and the lead supervisor’s name in ‘Name of intended supervisor for 2 ^nd choice project at University of Bath.

You must ensure that you follow the above steps correctly. Failure to complete these steps will cause errors in the automated processing of your application and may mean that you are not considered for a particular project.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We value a diverse research environment and strive to be an inclusive university, where difference is celebrated and respected. We encourage applications from under-represented groups.

If you have circumstances that you feel we should be aware of that have affected your educational attainment, then please feel free to tell us about it in your application form. The best way to do this is a short paragraph at the end of your personal statement.

The Disability Service ensures that individuals with disabilities are provided the support that they need. If you state if your application that you have a disability, the Disability Service will contact you as part of this process to discuss your needs.

Keywords

Additive Manufacturing (AM), 3D printing, Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM), Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Material Modelling, Mechanical Testing