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University of Southampton

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PhD in Hybrid Additive–Subtractive Manufacturing of Lightweight Alloys with Ultrasonically Assisted Robotic Machining University of Southampton in United Kingdom

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Mechanical Engineering

Funding

Competition funded PhD project. Funding details are not specified in the post beyond competition funding and a link to fees and funding information.

Deadline

Sep 30, 2027

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Country

United Kingdom

University

University of Southampton

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Keywords

Mechanical Engineering
Materials Science
Aerospace Engineering
Industrial Engineering
Additive Manufacturing
Material Characterization
Robotics
Physics

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About this position

Postgraduate research project at the University of Southampton: Hybrid additive–subtractive manufacturing of lightweight alloys with ultrasonically assisted robotic machining.

This is a PhD opportunity in mechanical engineering, materials science, robotics, and aerospace engineering. The project focuses on developing a hybrid manufacturing approach that combines metal additive manufacturing with ultrasonically assisted robotic machining to improve the quality and precision of lightweight alloy components, especially thin-walled structures and complex-shaped aerospace parts.

Research topics include machining mechanisms, process stability, surface integrity, cutting forces, temperature, vibration behaviour, dimensional accuracy, and subsurface integrity. The work will involve designing and characterising a rotary ultrasonic machining tool, integrating it with a Kuka robotic platform, and carrying out experimental studies alongside numerical modelling and advanced signal processing.

The project highlights access to world-class laboratories and facilities at Southampton, including advanced manufacturing, ultrasonic transducer design and characterisation, materials science, and robotics resources. Training is offered in ultrasonic machining tool design, fabrication, and characterisation, plus techniques such as micro-CT, SEM, and in-situ XRD.

Entry requirement: a 2:1 honours degree or equivalent. The project is competition funded; the post does not specify stipend amount or full funding terms, so applicants should check the university’s fees and funding information. The closing date is 2027-09-30.

How to apply: review the project page, confirm the full entry requirements, and submit an application through the University of Southampton postgraduate research application route before the deadline.

Funding details

Competition funded PhD project. Funding details are not specified in the post beyond competition funding and a link to fees and funding information.

What's required

Applicants should have a 2:1 honours degree or equivalent in a relevant engineering or related discipline. The project is suited to candidates with interest in advanced manufacturing, robotics, machining, materials characterisation, numerical modelling, and experimental work. Training will be provided in ultrasonic tool design and characterisation, but prior readiness for research-level study is expected.

How to apply

Review the project details and full entry requirements on the University of Southampton page. Use the university's PhD application process linked from the project page to apply before the closing date. Check the fees and funding section for funding specifics.

More information can be found here

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