Pitting corrosion is the type of localised attack on most metals that is most often encountered. If affects the performance and down time of equipment in a wide range of industries. Most technologically important materials, including carbon and stainless steels, aluminium, titanium and nickel-based alloys exhibit severe pitting in different environments. Pitting consists of sharply defined holes that vary in size and are usually formed at chemical and physical inhomogeneities, given the presence of an aggressive anion (usually halides). These holes can act as crack initiation sites or lead to perforation and as such they are detrimental to the material’s integrity.
This phenomenon is most often studied experimentally, but in this project, the most important theories on pitting corrosion will be evaluated and a novel model will be developed of processes in the bulk fluid and at the metal surface, to describe the processes affecting stable pit growth. Crucially, the impact of external flows and heat and mass transfer will be included in the new model. Results from the modelling work can be compared with experiments previously undertaken in the groups.
The student will be trained in the mathematical modelling of reactive flows, which will require the development of a number of techniques. Furthermore, the student will become highly skilled in the use of CFD software such as Fluent. Beyond this, the student will have to opportunity to develop their communication skills through the authoring of manuscripts for high ranking journals and by participating in and presenting at leading international conferences.
The development of skills in CFD modelling will make the student an incredibly marketable asset.
This project will involve significant modelling using tools and facilities that exist at the University of Sheffield. Additional support, to allow for presentation at international conferences will be sourced via ongoing funding applications.
Please see this link for information on how to apply: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/cbe/postgraduate/phd/how-apply. Please include the name of your proposed supervisor and the title of the PhD project within your application.
Applicants should have a good degree in Chemical Engineering, Mathematics or a related discipline. If English is not your first language then you must have an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) average of 6.5 or above with at least 6.0 in each component, or equivalent. Please see this link for further information: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/phd/apply/english-language.