Understanding, modelling and processing of metals and alloys with respect to the properties and material behaviour and development of novel materials.
This area encompasses understanding, modelling and processing of metals and alloys with respect to the properties and material behaviour and development of novel materials.
We will support world-class materials expertise that underpins sustainable growth aligned to key sectors such as automotive, aerospace, and energy – for example, light-weighting, metal systems for demanding environments. We will work with the community to establish and nurture interdisciplinary links addressing the microstructure-processing-performance triangle.
Research opportunities will focus on reducing material demand through resource efficiency and reducing product development lead times through a greater understanding of the microstructure-processing-performance triangle.
We will work with the community to establish and nurture links with researchers and the manufacturing sector. This includes linking to the manufacturing technologies research area and focusing on the circular economy and on reducing energy demand for material production. Technology transfer and uptake must be ensured while maintaining a healthy research base.
There is an opportunity to bring together advances in modelling and experimentation to increase the rate of discovery and development of new materials. The community should work towards understanding these challenges and establishing solutions.
We aim to:
Support the community to connect UK research
We will do this through a cross-disciplinary approach, researching in response to the advanced materials strategy and creating links with the Henry Royce Institute. A key challenge is to sustain and develop interdisciplinary relationships, enhancing a portfolio that addresses novel research at the interface between engineering, physical sciences and mathematical sciences.
Encourage research that links through to other areas
Examples include:
- performance and inspection of mechanical structures and systems
- manufacturing technologies
- continuum mechanics
- numerical analysis
- functional ceramics and inorganics
- materials for energy applications
- nuclear fission
- energy storage
- resource efficiency
- materials engineering – ceramics
- materials engineering – composites.
Work with stakeholders to nurture talent
We want to provide the next generation of skilled researchers for the academic and industrial sectors in the UK, from PhD to early-career level. It is essential that this talent is nurtured and retained in later career stages, ensuring that academic expertise is preserved following the completion of studentships.