Fundamentals of advanced composite machining

IDC in Machining Science

University of Sheffield

Please note applications may be closed early if the project is filled.
Start date is flexible with a preference for Jan 2013 or July/August 2013

There is a continuing drive across the aerospace engineering industry to introduce new lightweight high strength carbon fibre composite materials wherever possible to improve performance, reduce costs and reduce environmental impact. Modern aircraft like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner already incorporate a wide range of composite materials, but the machining of composites needs to be much better understood to increase the proportion of composites further. The manufacture of gas turbine engine components from composites would be very advantageous by lightening the aircraft (especially the wings) making this a key area for research and development.

Rolls-Royce and the University of Sheffield are seeking a talented postgraduate researcher to carry out research to develop new process technology and product technology in the use of composites in Rolls Royce gas turbine components. The objective is to investigate the fundamental processes and mechanism in composite machining using ‘conventional’ milling, turning, drilling and grinding.

The successful candidate will work closely with the central Rolls-Royce Team and using access to state of the art equipment and technology available at AMRC.