Liquid Metal Embrittlement of Galvanised High Strength Steels

Key Information

Academic Supervisors: Professor David Penney, Dr Amit Das

Industry Supervisor: James Lelliot

Expected Interview Date: May 2022

Background:

Tata Steel UK is the UK’s primary manufacturer of Automotive metallic coated sheet steel. One of the latest issues arising in Automotive design and engineering is the adaption of dual-phase (DP) steels at 1200MPa strength and above into new vehicle designs. Dual-Phase steel grades give very high yield strength without having a large compromise of ductility. These steels are adapted to allow light-weighting and increased safety performance of vehicles; however, the composition of these steels also causes Liquid Metal Embrittlement (LME) when welded to Galvanised (GI) and Zinc Magnesium (ZM) metallic coated steels for parts such as body side outer panels in automotive chassis’. This is driving automotive companies to adopt expensive Galv. Annealed (GA) coatings for components attached to the Ultra High Strength Steels (UHSS) rather than using more GI and ZM coatings produced within the UK.

Project Aims: 

The aims for this program of work are:

  1. Identify the root causes of LME associated with both GI and ZM coated steels
  2. Identify why GA coated steels are less susceptible to LME
  3. Trial and develop solutions to allow GI and/or ZM coated steels to be utilised in a cost effective and robust way when welded to UHSS steels such as DP1200 (this must align to typical vehicle manufacturing conditions i.e. speed of weld, type of weld etc)

COATED M2A recognises applicants have a variety of backgrounds with different educational and research experiences. We do not expect applicants to be proficient users of any techniques /equipment mentioned, at the time of application. Our focus is to upskill our participants and training will be provided.

COATED M2A in the Faculty of Science and Engineering is a Swansea University initiative which provides postgraduate research training in partnership with industry, providing access to world class laboratories and a wealth of academic and industry expertise. COATED M2A is committed to providing top quality research opportunities within an inclusive environment, funded by the Welsh European Funding Office (WEFO), the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), Swansea University and Industry partners.

Interwoven through the research study are business, technical and entrepreneurial courses, designed to support and prepare participants for a senior role in industry or academia, on completion of their studies.

The Athena SWAN charter recognises work undertaken by institutions to advance gender equality. The College of Engineering is an Athena SWAN bronze award holder and is committed to addressing unequal gender representation. Applications from women and other under-represented groups are particularly welcomed. All applications will be anonymised prior to short listing.

Are you considering making an application and have questions you’d like answered? Come and have a 1-2-1 chat with us at our applicant surgeries (Link) . We encourage all applicants to review our hints and tips document found here.

Sponsoring Company: TATA Steel UK https://www.tatasteeleurope.com/

Eligibility

Candidates must normally hold a minimum undergraduate degree at 2.1 level (or Non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University), or a combination of degree and equivalent experience to the same level.

Normally, we would expect candidates to have met the University’s English Language requirements (e.g., IELTS 6.5 overall with 5.5+ in each component) by point of application.

Full eligibility can be found at https://www.materials-academy.co.uk/eligibility

Funding

EngD Only – Fees at UK rate and Stipend £20,000.00, both for the period of four years.

For full details on funding eligibility, please refer to the Materials and Manufacturing Academy (M2A) Website. Student Eligibility | M2A (materials-academy.co.uk/eligibility).

Candidates must have the legal right to live/work in the UK at the start of their studies (student visas do not apply)

Closing Date: 3rd April 2022

Start Date: 1st October 2022

Applications and informal enquiries about this studentship should be directed by email to:

M2A@swansea.ac.uk