A Study of the Dynamic Behaviour of Materials Fabricated Through Additive Manufacturing Methods.

This experimentally based PhD will investigate the relative mechanical behaviour of dynamically loaded additively manufactured (AM) and conventionally manufactured (CM) materials, with emphasis on identifying key deformation mechanisms for improved processing/microstructure/property relationships.

The primary outcomes will be:
1. a parametric study into how different initial build parameters in a commercial additive manufacturing machine affect the final microstructure of an AM component.
2. new understanding of the comparative bulk equation-of-state and constitutive properties of both AM and CM materials subjected to a range of loading conditions.
3. Identification of the dominant deformation mechanisms operating at the mesoscale as a result of various AM microstructures.

This project will link to ongoing research investigating the quasi-static to low-rate mechanical properties of AM materials within the Centre for Manufacturing Studies (CEMS) and Mechanical Engineering at Imperial College. It will be co-supervised by ISP and CEMS academic staff.