Interpenetrating phase composites (IPC) with co-continuous phases offer significantly enhanced overall properties over conventional particle or long-fiber reinforced metal matrix composites. In functionally graded composites (FGM), the composition and microstructure are varied along a certain direction to attain variation in properties within the same material. While IPCs and FGMs have been established as advanced structural materials individually, combining the two concepts to develop hybrid functionally graded interpenetrating metal/ceramic composites has been studied very little. Within the scope of this work, open porous alumina/zirconia (Al2O3/3Y-TZP) with a gradient pore morphology will first be fabricated using a combined pressureless sintering and pore-former route. Due to alumina's high hardness and wear resistance and the transformation toughening operative in zirconia, alumina/zirconia composites offer an excellent combination of strength and toughness. In the next step, the open pores within the porous ceramic composite preform will be infiltrated by molten Al-alloy via squeeze casting to develop the hybrid functionally graded interpenetrating phase composites. An in-depth understanding of the damage propagation, when stressed, is critical to developing the hybrid composite, as a delayed crack propagation will enhance both the strength and toughness required for the end application. The deformation and damage mechanism in the composites will be studied under in-situ loading using high-energy synchrotron X-ray-based computed tomography at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Grenoble, France. Synchrotron X-ray is ideal for imaging crack propagation in multiphase bulk materials due to its large penetration depth, high flux, and material-specific attenuation behaviour, readily allowing sharp image contrast among different phases based on density or atomic number. An in-situ loading offers direct observation of the structural changes under an applied load, and this is advantageous over more conventional ex-situ fractographic studies, where the final prognosis is often based upon many strong assumptions. To our knowledge, such in-situ damage study in hybrid functionally graded IPCs has never been reported in the literature. The knowledge developed from the in-situ damage evolution study will be used to optimize the structure of the developed hybrid composites. While this is basic fundamental research, it has long-term potential for end applications such as advanced structural components in the automobile, aerospace, transport, and energy sectors.

Before you apply

We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisor(s) for this project before you apply.

How to apply

You will need to submit an online application through the IIT Kharagpur's website here: https://international.iitkgp.ac.in/admission/jdp-uoman/ The website includes a list of all the documentation required.

If you require an English qualification to study in the UK, you can apply now and send this in at a later date.

If you have any questions about making an application, please contact the admissions team(s) by email:

- University of Manchester: [email protected]

- IIT Kharagpur: [email protected]

Eligibility

1. Candidates may only apply for projects approved by the Joint Academic Board.

2. For Indian residents, the programme is open to graduates B.Tech. or M.Sc./M.Tech. graduate from any Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) with a minimum CGPA of 7.5 on a scale of 10.

3. For residents of other countries, it is open to graduates of Institutes/Universities within QS WUR of 500 (published in 2024) [link: https://www.topuniversities.com/world-university-rankings/2024 ].

4. Candidates must be able to undertake PhD studies at IIT Kharagpur from July 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter with no requirement for a (further) visa to study in India.

5. Willingness to travel to the UK to undertake 2 years of study based at The University of Manchester if such travel is permitted by UK and India governments.

6. Holds or expects to obtain a 2:1 class honours undergraduate degree or higher (or international equivalent – contact the Admissions Team for details).

7. Ideally Preferably holds a master’s-level qualification at merit or distinction (or international equivalent – contact the Admissions Team for details).

8. Demonstrable excellent communication skills, including in English language, a proficiency in which should be demonstrably indicated by meeting the requirements as indicated our English language requirements page [link: https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/international/admissions/language-requirements/ ], and in particular securing an IELTS score of at least 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each component OR securing a TOEFL iBT score of 90 with no less than 20 in each component equivalent or equivalent. The TOEFL/IELTS exam may be taken after the final selection and award of scholarship, and prior to joining IIT Kharagpur.

9. For some projects an ATAS certificate may also be required by them.

10. Demonstrate to fulfil The University of Manchester Faculty of Science and Engineering Postgraduate Researcher person specification:

* Educational background matches research project.

* Potential to form effective working relationships with a diverse range of people, including working inclusively and as part of a team.

* Potential to take the initiative, lead on projects, and be proactive in prioritising a dynamic, agile and diverse workload.

* Potential to develop understanding of complex problems, evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of a given scenario, and apply in-depth knowledge to address them.

* Potential to develop expertise in new areas of the subject.

* Evidence of an understanding of the proposed area of research, including knowledge of current challenges and opportunities.

* An interest in continuous personal and professional development.

* Potential to communicate ideas and conclusions, verbally and in writing, clearly and effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

* Preliminary knowledge of research techniques/track record of engaging with research.

Equality, Diversity and inclusion

Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact. We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.

We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder).

FSE_Kharagpur FSE_dualawards