NanoTribochemical Investigation of Advanced Lubricants

Faculty of Engineering

University of Leeds

Energy and resource losses in moving mechanical components as a result of friction and wear impose an enormous cost on national economies and thus call for the development of new design strategies, engineering systems, and materials with improved properties. Besides allowing significant economic savings, the reduction of frictional losses and the protection of mechanical components from wear can also have beneficial environmental effects, i.e., a reduction in the emission of carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases.
The PhD programme, which will be largely experimentally using state-of-the-art facilities in School of Mechanical Engineering and advanced characterization methods at the UK national synchrotron facility (Diamond Light Source), will focus on the development of an understanding of the mechanism(s) of surface molecular reactivity of a new class of “green” lubricants, i.e., ionic liquids (ILs), under mechanical stress. Insights into the origin of the promising tribological properties of ILs will be gained through the use of novel analytical methodologies that allow a multi-scale investigation of the processes occurring at buried sliding interfaces in the presence of ILs. The outcomes of the experimental work can open the path to the rational design and synthesis of new, modified, and improved ILs that can reduce energy and resource consumption in advanced tribological applications.
The project has a strong multidisciplinary character and will allow the student to gain expertise in tribology, ionic liquids, and advanced surface analysis. By the end of the PhD programme, the student will be well-placed to start a career in research and development in tribology or as a practising materials engineer.

Study information

Qualification:

PhD

Study duration:

4 years

Entry requirements:

A UK upper second class honours degree (2:1) and/or a Master's degree in a relevant engineering or science degree.

Language requirements:

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) an overall band of 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in each component skill

Funding information

Funder:

Leeds Anniversary Research Scholarship

Title:

Leeds Anniversary Research Scholarship

Value:

The studentship cover academic fees and a maintenance grant matching the Research Council UK rate(£14,296 for session 2016/17).

Number of awards per year:

1

Funding applies to:

Other: see Funding notes

Funding notes:

This studentship is open to UK, EU and international students.

Contacts and how to apply

Academic contact:

Contact Dr Filippo Mangolini to discuss this project further informally.
Email: f.mangolini@leeds.ac.uk

Administrative contact and how to apply:

To apply for a Leeds Anniversary Research Scholarship, you must submit two separate applications forms:
Research degree application: first of all you, you must apply for a research degree online through the university's website.Please state clearly in the research information section that the PhD you wish to be considered for is the 'Numerical modelling of the Congo River’s complex braided channel hydraulics and remote sensing of its bathymetry’ as well as Dr Mark Trigg as your proposed supervisor. You will receive an acknowledgement email which will include your Student ID Number within 24 hours of submitting your application.
Leeds Anniversary Research Scholarship application: once you are in receipt of a Student ID Number, you must then apply for funding by the deadline by completing the Leeds Anniversary Research Scholarships form. Applications for this scheme are now open. Please
download the application form.
For enquires about the application process please contact the Graduate School Office: phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk, t: +44 (0)113 343 8000.

Application deadline:

1 June 2016