NCLA News

PhD opportunity: Optimising metallic microstructure in laser-based additive manufacturing

Principal Investigator (NUIG): Dr Gerard O'Connor; gerard.oconnor@nuigalway.ie

25 July 2018

Research Environment

The National University of Ireland Galway is the host for this 4 year funded PhD studentship.  According to QS World University Rankings, NUI Galway is ranked in the top 1% of Universities worldwide.

The structured PhD will be undertaken at the NCLA Laboratory as part of I-FORM, the Irish Research Centre in Advanced Manufacturing funded by Science Foundation Ireland. The PhD will be undertaken in close collaboration with two other major Irish Research Centres in Photonics, IPIC, and Medical Devices, CURAM, to which the Primary Supervisor actively contributes.  The PhD candidate will also have access to the diverse EU funded (H2020, Interreg, ERASMUS) research and training activities underway at NUI Galway.  The PhD will be undertaken in an environment recognised for actively supporting gender balance in Science & Engineering.

Research Project: Optimising metallic microstructure in laser-based additive manufacturing

Metals additive manufacturing is well recognised to be a disruptive technology –expected to have a significant impact on the future value chains for productive economies. The application of metals additive manufacturing is currently limited by microstructure for safety critical components. The question posed by the PhD is how can ultra-short pulsed laser technology optimise the microstructure in metal components produced by laser-based additive manufacturing?

To enable the PhD candidate answer this question, the project will provide advanced training in laser matter interactions. The PhD candidate will develop an insight in laser – electron interactions in metals, electron – lattice coupling, precision fusion of powder and particle metallic materials. The approach will combine both experimental and computational research techniques. The PhD candidate will have access to state of the art instrumentation, a multidisciplinary supervisory team, in a dynamic research led teaching environment. The candidate will be expected to undertake a six modules, over 4 years, in transferrable and discipline-specific skills.

Research Project: Optimising metallic microstructure in laser-based additive manufacturing

Metals additive manufacturing is well recognised to be a disruptive technology –expected to have a significant impact on the future value chains for productive economies. The application of metals additive manufacturing is currently limited by microstructure for safety critical components. The question posed by the PhD is how can ultra-short pulsed laser technology optimise the microstructure in metal components produced by laser-based additive manufacturing?

To enable the PhD candidate answer this question, the project will provide advanced training in laser matter interactions. The PhD candidate will develop an insight in laser – electron interactions in metals, electron – lattice coupling, precision fusion of powder and particle metallic materials. The approach will combine both experimental and computational research techniques. The PhD candidate will have access to state of the art instrumentation, a multidisciplinary supervisory team, in a dynamic research led teaching environment. The candidate will be expected to undertake a six modules, over 4 years, in transferrable and discipline-specific skills.

Duration: 4 Years

Scholarship: €18,500 tax free stipend plus PhD fees, material and travel expenses.

Start Date: Autumn 2018

Lead Supervisor: Dr Gerard O’Connor (Head, School of Physics & Director NCLA laboratory)

Enquiries and application before August 14 to: gerard.oconnor@nuigalway.ie  +353 91 49 2513