Keynotes

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Genoveva Burca - Session 5 (Wed 09.00-10.55)

Principal Beamline Scientist, Diamond Lightsource

Genoveva is Principal Scientist at the Diamond Light Source on the I12-JEEP (Joint Engineering, Environmental, and Processing) and visiting senior scientist at the ISIS Neutron Spallation Source with expertise in combined neutron and x-ray techniques.
Her research focuses on solving complex problems at the intersection of complementary imaging techniques building robust solutions for advanced materials characterization from a cross-disciplinary scientific perspective. Apart from her creative and interdisciplinary approach on delivering solutions to academia and industry she also she plays a pivotal role in the scientific education, guiding emerging scientists in mastering the use of advanced neutron and synchrotron research facilities, which are crucial for cutting-edge scientific discoveries.
She actively serves on several national and international advisory and reviewing committees and collaborates with various academic groups from UK, Switzerland, Sweden, France, Canada, Germany, and India as well as industrial partners on various projects spanning from life sciences to engineering crucial for fostering knowledge exchange and driving progress in various scientific fields.

Combined neutron and X-ray studies in advanced material characterisation

The availability of advanced materials characterisation techniques is of high importance in analysing and measuring the structure and composition of materials to better understand their properties and performance, so the materials performance can be significantly improved in real-world applications.
The construction of latest ultra brilliant synchrotron X-ray sources such as Diamond Light Source (UK), together with advances in X-ray optics and instrumentation provide the best opportunities for in-depth understanding of a broad spectrum of materials. At the same time, recent neutron facilities as ISIS Neutron and Muon Spallation Source (UK) have instruments mainly built for the purpose of
material science applications.
Due to the different interaction mechanisms of X-ray and neutrons with the matter, non-destructive techniques such as neutron and x-ray imaging and diffraction could greatly assist the progress of advanced materials at different scales. Key applications of these techniques include inspection of materials and components (e.g. alloys, steel, ceramics, concrete), electrochemistry (e.g. lithium-ion batteries), geochemistry, plant-soil science, and cultural heritage among others.

Philip Cardiff - Session 3 (Tue 14.00-15.40)

Associate Professor of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University College Dublin

Philip graduated with a BE (2008) and a PhD (2012) in mechanical engineering from University College Dublin (UCD). Subsequently, he spent time as a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow working on developing computational models within the Irish Centre for Composites Research at UCD and within the Cockrell School of Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin. Philip is a current Irish Research Council Laureate, a European Research Council Consolidator Grant awardee, a funded investigator in the Irish national Advanced Manufacturing Centre I-Form, a funded investigator in the UCD Energy Institute, a principal investigator in the UCD Centre for Biomedical Engineering, the director of Bekaert’s first University Technology Centre, a previous chair of the international OpenFOAM Workshop committee and current member, an editor of the OpenFOAM Journal, and an editor of the Journal of Open Source Software.

The Finite Volume Method for Multiphysics: From Manufacturing to Biomechanics

The quest for accurate, efficient and robust solutions to multiphysics problems is a paramount challenge in the ever-evolving landscape of scientific and engineering simulations. This talk delves into the foundational principles of the finite volume method for providing approximate solutions to boundary value problems, including grid arrangements, solution methodology, and spatio-temporal discretisation. Details of implementation in open-source software OpenFOAM are also discussed. Finally, the approach’s applicability is demonstrated in various multiphysics applications, such as additive manufacturing, fluid-solid interactions, and cardiovascular electro-mechanics.

Jack Donoghue - Session 2 (Tue 11.15-12.55)

Senior Technical Specialist (EBSD and In-Situ Testing), Henry Royce Institute, University of Manchester

Jack Donoghue is a senior technical specialist at the University of Manchester with an expertise in electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) for studying the crystallographic structure of materials. A focus of his PhD (the University of Manchester, 2016) was the development of high temperature EBSD to better understand grain refinement in additively manufactured titanium alloys. Jack leads the development of several novel techniques at Manchester including the TANIST project for the automation of in situ experiments, a fs-laser plasma FIB for large 3D datasets, and a high throughput system for large-sample / multi-sample analyses. Jack has given several invited talks at conferences and universities and was recently a keynotes speaker at RMS EBSD2023.

Recent developments in SEM characterisation: automated in-situ testing and laser-FIB 3D volumes

In recent years, significant advancements have been made in the field of scanning electron microscope (SEM) technologies to aid materials characterisation. These developments include not only hardware (improved column designs, faster detectors, etc.) but also software, especially the ability to automate microscope functions. Automation enables the collection of larger datasets faster and more efficiently than ever before.

Presented here are two systems taking advantage of automation. First, a solution developed at the University of Manchester (UoM) in collaboration with TESCAN and NewTec Scientific that allows automated  acquisition during in-situ experiments. The solution enables the ability to run intricate straining/temperature experiments over several days without intervention, minimising potential user error, and tripling the data collected otherwise.

Secondly, the UoM in partnership with Thermo Scientific, has developed workflows for 3D serial sectioning using one of the world's first laser-PFIB systems. This cutting-edge technology uses femtosecond laser material ablation, giving a material removal rate several orders of magnitude higher than traditional FIB technologies, enabling the investigation of larger volumes with unprecedented speed.

Beatriz Mingo - Session 7 (Wed 14.00-15.00)

Senior Lecturer and Royal Academy of Engineering Fellow, Henry Royce Institute, University of Manchester

Beatriz Mingo is currently a Senior Lecturer and Royal Academy of Engineering Fellow at The University of Manchester and Henry Royce Institute. Her research focuses on the development of environmentally friendly smart surface treatments for corrosion protection and lifetime extension of engineering systems.
After completing her PhD (2016) at Universidad Complutense de Madrid (Spain), she was awarded a Humboldt Research Fellowship for Postdoctoral researchers (2017) and the year after, a Presidential Fellowship at The University of Manchester. Her work has recently been recognised with the award of the 2022 RAEng Young Engineer of the Year, The University of Manchester Distinguished Achievement Medal – Researcher of the Year 2022 and the Alumni Award from Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 2022.

Multifunctional Ceramic Coatings for Active Corrosion Protection of Light Alloys

Multifunctional coatings are materials that have the ability to interact with the surrounding environment, selectively responding to specific stimuli such as mechanical fractures, temperature fluctuations, or changes in pH. The integration of various functionalities in these coatings can result in distinct properties, such as targeted corrosion inhibition or self-healing. While this technology has predominantly found application in organic coatings, its applicability is limited to less challenging
environments.
The aim of this work is to develop a functional ceramic coating capable of providing long-term wear resistance and corrosion protection on demand. Despite the superior performance of ceramic coatings in demanding conditions, introducing active functionalisation is particularly challenging due to the rigid and inert nature of inorganic matrices in comparison to organic materials.
The approach presented here to achieve active functionalisation is based on the development of a porous ceramic layer by Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation (PEO), where the porosity serves as a reservoir for encapsulated corrosion inhibitors. These are released in response to pH changes resulting from electrochemical activity. The inhibitors act locally at the anodic and/or cathodic sites, effectively inhibiting corrosion propagation.

Susanne Norgren - Session 1 (Tue 09.00-10.55)

Group Expert in Materials Design, Sandvik AB

Susanne's Ph.D in materials science and thermodynamic modelling was awarded by KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden. She is the Sandvik Cormorant Global Group Expert, following a successful R&D career that spans materials design, sintering and tribology of hard metals, diamond materials and titanium alloys, machining, surface integrity, and fundamental research. In parallel to her industrial success, she was Professor at Uppsala University, Sweden from 2011 to 2020, where she led the university’s strategic initiative on additive manufacturing, resulting in the development of an international post-graduate teaching and research centre. In 2020 she took a Professorship at Lund University, Sweden. She is keen to support the development of new strategic research consortia between industry and universities, and is a Fellow of Academia Net, a Swiss foundation for outstanding female researchers. She has many other professional roles, being a Member of the British Hardmetal Group, Fellow of the Swedish Royal Academy of Engineering Sciences (Chair of Mining and Materials), Co-Chair of the European Powder Metallurgy Institute (EPMI) and Chair of the Hero-M2i research centre at KTH University. She has over 80 published papers, and involvement in the development of over 400 patents.

 A contribution to the understanding of tool/workpiece interaction in metal cutting

High performance metal cutting requires solid performance of the insert. Insert wear and degradation, and thus performance, has historically been investigated experimentally. In this talk a combined approach, based on materials science-based modelling and experiments, are used to increase the understanding of tool/workpiece interaction. The metallurgical interactions between tool-workpiece-environment are done using integrated computational materials engineering, based on thermodynamic and diffusion modelling in combination with finite element modelling for stresses, temperatures and compression/shear. 

Alex Wilson - Session 4 (Tue 16.00-17.00)

Materials Research & Development Engineer, Supercritical Solutions

Before joining the AMS CDT in 2017, Alex undertook both his undergraduate and masters degrees in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Salford, where he achieved first class honours and distinction respectively. He completed his PhD in 2022 and submitted a thesis entitled 'Environmentally Assisted Cracking (EAC) of Ultra-High Strength Stainless Steels'. While writing up his thesis, he joined Supercritical Solutions, a hydrogen electrolyser company based out of London, and has been applying his technical expertise on materials corrosion ever since.

The Surface Advantage: How Lungs Inspire a Breathtaking Leap in Electrolysis

Electrolysis, the process of splitting water into hydrogen using electricity, holds immense promise for clean energy. However, a major hurdle lies in its efficiency. This talk explores a ground breaking approach inspired by nature's ingenuity: biomimicry.The key lies in maximising surface area, a concept exemplified by the human lung. By mimicking this design principle, we can significantly improve the rate of hydrogen production and reduce energy consumption in electrolysers. In this presentation we will discuss the way in which Supercritical takes inspiration from nature to improve electrolyser technology.

Kun Yan - Session 6 (Wed 11.15-12.55)

Lecturer in Metallurgy, University of Manchester

Kun Yan joined School of Materials from 2015 as research fellow to investigate the damage formation process during forming of advanced high strength multi-phase steels. Supported by Tata steel Europe and Diamond Light Source, a series of in-situ X-ray diffraction and tomography experiments have been conducted to investigate the correlation between phase, strain and macro inclusions. During her PhD study at Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation and University of Wollongong, Kun Yan has investigated the plastic deformation mechanisms of thermal-mechanical processed high-manganese steels, including twinning induced plasticity steel and transformation induced plasticity steel. In-situ diffraction tests and self-consistent models (EPSC / VPSC) were employed to understand the contribution of twinning, phase transformation and slip to the excellent ductility of high-manganese steels. In addition, Kun Yan has also provided consultancy advice to the area of residual stress assessment and finite element modelling of flexible pipe used in sub-sea oil and gas extraction. 

X-ray computed tomography guided damage model for advance high strength steels

Gurson-type damage model has been developed and applied to describe and predict engineering materials damage behaviour in recent years. The major advantage of being simple and versatile leads to wide application as a stand-alone damage criteria or as subroutines in conjunction with finite-element modelling. Despite its wide application, there also have been concerns in terms of the physical meaning of the damage parameters used in the Gurson-type damage models due to the disconnection between damage parameters and materials microstructure. Being lack of exclusivity in parameters selection remains a major problem for credibility of this damage model. In the current study, we utilise the advantage of X-ray computed tomography technique to help identify the damage formation behaviour during plastic deformation of dual phase steels. A user defined subroutine is developed to simulate the damage formation of dual phase steels with different volume fractions of hard martensite phase. This hybrid approach of linking microstructure to continuum mechanical model set a new route in bridging region focused damage modelling and macroscopic length-scale damage modelling of engineering materials.

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