Working with DEAKIN, FORD and CAPRAL the ARC Training Centre in Lightweight Automotive Structures project will improve the forming and joining of lightweight aluminium automotive bodies.
One PhD scholarship is available to conduct research into lightweight automotive extrusions as a part of the ARC Training Centre in Lightweight Automotive Structures (atlas-innovation.com.au). Working in close partnership with researchers and technical experts from DEAKIN, Ford and CAPRAL in a multi-disciplinary team environment, the successful candidate will have a unique opportunity to develop methods to evaluate and develop aluminium automotive extrusions with improved bendability and toughness. Aluminium alloys are already being used extensively within the automotive industry to reduce weight and greenhouse gas emissions. Understanding the bendability and toughness of these alloys can lead to improved joining and forming leading to further weight savings and application of these alloys.
The project will provide numerous research and development opportunities including:
- Being part of the wider ARC Training Centre Community which includes 14 partners over 3 continents.
- Conducting at least 12 months of the research project (over the course of the PhD) embedded within industry
- Designing different strategies to control the composite material fabrication (cure reaction) rate
- Evaluation of how alloy chemistry and processing conditions affect performance critical properties for automotive extrusions.
- Relating performance of alloys to the structure of the alloys at various length scales, from nano-scale to component level..
Mastering analytical techniques including: scanning electron microscopy, electron backscatter diffraction, mechanical property assessment, alloy processing.
Value and Duration
Scholarship is valued at up to $31,298 per annum for three years with a possible six-month extension (as of 2018).
Eligiblity
To be eligible for this scholarship you must:
- be an Australian citizen, or Australian permanent resident
- have a first class honours or 2a honours in engineering (mechanical, materials, chemical, manufacturing, aerospace) science (chemistry, physics) or equivalent.
- provide evidence of good oral and written communication skills
- demonstrate an ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary research team
- meet RMIT University’s entry requirements for the Higher Degree by Research programs.
Please read the RMIT University Research Scholarship Terms and Conditions.
How to apply
To apply, please submit the following documents to Prof Stuart Bateman, Director ARC Training Centre in Lightweight Automotive Structures:
- curriculum vitae
- academic transcripts
Prospective candidates will be required to submit an application for admission to the PhD Aerospace Engineering program (DR216) as per instructions available on the School of Engineering website.
Scholarship applications will only be successful if prospective candidates are provided with an offer for admission.
Contact
For further information please contact:
Professor Mark Easton
Associate Dean (Manufacturing, Materials and Mechatronics)
Contact details:
T: +61 3 9925 6278
Mr Richard Taube
Deputy Director, ARC Training Centre in Lightweight Automotive Structures
University Programs Manager, Ford Motor Company of Australia
RMIT Research Scholarship terms and conditions of Engineering website.
+61 3 9925 6672