PhD Studentship in Near-Solidus Forging for Closed-Loop Metallic Swarf Recycling

This PhD position at the University of Warwick focuses on advancing a novel near-solidus forging (NSF) technique to recycle metallic swarf—a byproduct of machining—into reusable blanks. The project aims to establish optimal processing conditions for various materials, including nickel superalloys and stainless steels, to enable closed-loop recycling with reduced carbon footprints. The successful candidate will conduct hands-on experiments, microstructural and mechanical assessments, and complementary computational modeling to define process windows and mechanisms. The work will support both academic research and commercialization efforts, contributing to sustainable manufacturing practices.

• Develop a fundamental understanding of forging microstructures and types for metallic swarf recycling.
• Conduct hands-on near-solidus forging experiments across various materials and processing conditions.
• Perform microstructural and mechanical assessments of forged components to define optimal processing parameters.
• Design and test forging dies to explore different shapes, temperatures, and forging rates.
• Collaborate on metallurgical assessments of commercial products to ensure consistency and quality.
• Develop complementary computational models to predict strain pathways for given component geometries.
• Support the commercialization of the forging process while contributing to academic research.