Project opportunity
This Earmarked Scholarship project is aligned with a recently awarded Category 1 research grant. It offers you the opportunity to work with leading researchers and contribute to large projects of national significance.
Additive manufacturing (AM, which is commonly called 3D printing) is booming. But, the current engineering alloys that can be additively manufactured (AMed) are still limited (the number of reported alloys are around 50, compared with more than 65000 commercial alloys). This implies that most commercial engineering alloys have low AM processability or 3D printability (here we define the AM processability or 3D printability as the ability of alloys that can be processed/printed through AM without failure, cracking and unacceptable level of defects, such as porosity). Hence, this proposed project aims to develop practical and effective technologies to improve the AM processability of engineering materials that are currently hard to or even cannot be processed/fabricated via AM. Such materials include intermetallic alloys, ceramics, most superalloys and copper alloys, the majority of tool and high ultrahigh strength steels, high strength aluminium alloys, and some titanium alloys. The development is based on the current understanding of factors that govern the quality of AM components and of the causes for low AM processability of these types of alloys. The most promising approach to improve the processability is grain refinement that can be achieved during solidification of the melt pools. The research solves one of the most critical problems associated with AM and the outcomes not only can improve the properties of AMed engineering components, but also will widen the applications of this advanced manufacturing technology.
Scholarship value
As a scholarship recipient, you'll receive:
Supervisor
School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering
Email: mingxing.zhang@uq.edu.au
Preferred educational background
Your application will be assessed on a competitive basis.
We take into account your
- previous academic record
- publication record
- honours and awards
- employment history.
A working knowledge of additive manufacturing and materials characterization would be of benefit to someone working on this project.
The applicant will demonstrate academic achievement in the field(s) of materials science and engineering and the potential for scholastic success.
A background or knowledge of CAD software is highly desirable.
Latest commencement date
If you are the successful candidate, you must commence by Research Quarter 4, 2022. You should apply at least 3 months prior to the research quarter commencement date.
If you are an international applicant, you may need to apply much earlier for visa requirements.
How to apply
You apply for this project as part of your PhD program application.