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  1. Study at the OU
  2. Research degrees
  3. Research areas
  4. Materials Engineering
  5. Fabrication

Fabrication

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The OU Materials Engineering Group has state-of-the-art facilities for materials characterization, with a strong focus on mechanical properties, fatigue and fracture, and forensic failure analysis. The group has electron microscopy (FEGSEM, TEM, and access to dual beam FIB/SEM), mechanical testing with capability up to 1200˚C, a large creep facility, nanoindentation, diffusion bonding, as well as optical microscopy and metallography.

The group hosts around 16 full-time and five part-time research students, many of whom have a focus on fabrication techniques for materials and structures. Support is provided by academic, technical and research staff. Virtually all our projects are undertaken in partnership with industrial collaborators, and our projects provide excellent training in a range of experimental and analytical skills.

Qualifications available:

PhD or MPhil

Fees:

For detailed information on current fees visit Fees and funding.

Entry requirements:

Minimum 2:1 (or equivalent)

Potential research projects

  • Fatigue and fracture of metallic alloys and composites
  • High temperature performance of materials for power plant
  • Properties of welded materials and components

Current / recent research projects

  • Creep and damage development in power plant materials
  • Development of diffusion bonding for joining of materials
  • Microstructural evolution in aeroengine alloys

Further information

If you have an enquiry specific to this research area please contact:

Name:
Professor John Bouchard
Email:
mct-ddem-enquiries@open.ac.uk
Phone:
+44 (0)1908 655799

For general enquiries please contact the Research Degrees Team via the link under ‘Your questions’ on the right of the page.

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