At a Glance
- Tasks: Explore innovative forging processes to recycle metallic swarf and develop new materials.
- Company: Join the University of Warwick's Advanced Steel Research Team, a leader in material science.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, work with experts, and contribute to sustainable practices.
- Other info: Collaborate with top researchers and enjoy a dynamic research environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on recycling and sustainability while advancing your academic career.
- Qualifications: Passion for materials science and a strong academic background in engineering or related fields.
The predicted salary is between 34335 - 41965 £ per year.
Start Date – 1st March 2027 (latest)
Project Description
Machining generates large quantities of swarf, with many components losing 60–90% of their material during the machining stage. This swarf is typically collected and discarded, where it becomes mixed with other grades and loses much of its inherent value.
The University of Warwick has recently secured a patent for a novel forging technique in which pre-compacted swarf is heated to just below the melting point of the material and then deformed. Done correctly, this fusion bonds the material together. The route allows waste swarf to be forged directly back into blanks before it is scrapped and mixed, enabling high-purity swarf to be reused with a minimal carbon footprint. The potential is twofold:
- Companies can buy less raw material, using these new blanks (initially) for non safety-critical components.
- High-value materials such as nickel superalloys and stainless steels can have their swarf forged into briquettes and fed into lower-value markets — for example, aerospace-grade swarf could be consolidated and used at a fraction of the price in rail or naval applications.
We are looking for a talented, motivated individual to establish the process window for this technique across several materials and to assess the extent to which the patented material properties are realised. To identify the optimal processing conditions, a range of forging dies will be designed to allow processing of different shapes (strains), at different temperatures and at different forging rates. The project runs alongside the commercialisation of the process, and will therefore also support the metallurgical assessment of commercial products and their consistency.
The PhD will be broken down roughly as follows:
- Developing a fundamental understanding of forging microstructures and forging types.
- Hands-on near-solidus forging (NSF) of swarf under a range of processing conditions.
- Microstructural and mechanical assessment of the forged components, and definition of the underlying mechanisms behind a good forging.
- Potential for complementary modelling to predict strain pathways for given component geometries.
As a PhD candidate you will join the Advanced Steel Research Team, working alongside leading academics, researchers, project engineers and fellow PhD candidates. The group takes a holistic approach to metallic materials, examining the fundamentals and how they influence full-scale production.
For further enquiries regarding the position and the application procedure, please contact Dr Carl Slater or Sumit Hasra.
PhD Studentship: NSF Swarf: A novel forging processes for closed loop recycling of metallic swarf in Coventry employer: University of Warwick
The University of Warwick is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have access to numerous growth opportunities while enjoying the flexibility of hybrid working arrangements. Located in Coventry, the university promotes a vibrant culture that values diversity and inclusivity, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land PhD Studentship: NSF Swarf: A novel forging processes for closed loop recycling of metallic swarf in Coventry
✨Get Involved in Engineering Societies
Join local engineering societies or student chapters; they often have networking events and workshops tailored for internship seekers. It's a great way to meet professionals and get insider tips on which companies, like University of Warwick, are hiring!
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Make the most of your university's career fairs! These events often feature companies looking specifically for interns, and they give us the chance to make a direct impression on recruiters from places like University of Warwick. Bring your best elevator pitch and showcase your enthusiasm!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Make sure to create a portfolio or a personal website showcasing any relevant projects you’ve worked on, whether it's uni assignments or personal projects. This visual representation will help you stand out during interviews or casual chats with engineers from University of Warwick!
✨Leverage Internships to Build Skills
Don't just aim for any internship; seek out those that allow you to learn and grow. Even roles at startups can offer hands-on experience that's invaluable. We should focus on companies like University of Warwick that may have rotational internship programmes, providing us with diverse experiences.
We think you need these skills to ace PhD Studentship: NSF Swarf: A novel forging processes for closed loop recycling of metallic swarf in Coventry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:In the engineering world, we want to see your technical skills front and centre. When you’re crafting your CV, highlight any relevant coursework, projects, or software you’ve used. If you’ve got experience with CAD programs or any engineering software, make sure to mention that to grab our attention!
Tailor Your Motivation in the Cover Letter:This internship is all about learning and growth, so let us know why you're excited about this opportunity at University of Warwick. Your cover letter should reflect your passion for engineering and willingness to learn — share what makes us the perfect place for you to dip your toes into the industry!
Include Relevant Academic Projects:If you've completed any engineering projects, whether in class or on your own time, showcase those in your application. We love to see practical experience, even if it’s from school! Detail what you did, what techniques you used, and any challenges you faced. This shows us you can apply your knowledge in real-world situations.
Keep it Clear and Concise:When you're applying for an internship, we know it can be tempting to cram every detail into your CV or cover letter. But keep it clear and to the point! One page for your CV is usually enough — highlight the most relevant bits and make sure your passion for engineering shines through without any fluff.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Warwick
✨Brush Up on Technical Fundamentals
For an engineering internship like the one at University of Warwick, it’s essential to have a solid grasp of core principles. Expect technical questions that test your understanding of basic engineering concepts. We recommend revising key topics relevant to the role and finding some example problems to solve ahead of time.
✨Show Your Passion for Engineering
During the interview, we should communicate our enthusiasm for engineering and the specific area you're applying to. Share any projects, coursework, or experiences that fuelled your interest. Companies like University of Warwick often look for candidates who not only have the skills but also a genuine passion for the field.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Be ready for situational questions that probe your problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities. You might be asked how you would approach a specific engineering challenge or design a solution to a hypothetical problem relevant to the industry. Think through a few scenarios before going in, as these can really demonstrate your thought process.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Skills
Internships often involve collaboration, so we should be prepared to discuss our experiences working in teams. Have examples ready where you've worked as part of a group on projects, whether in a school setting or during co-curricular activities. This will show University of Warwick that we understand the importance of collaboration in engineering.
