Adam Allen

In 2013 I completed my MChem degree in Chemistry from the University of Leicester with upper second-class honours.

I am now pursuing a PhD in engineering with the IMPaCT Centre in order to expand and broaden my skills. My current investigation is in the engineering niobium silicides for high temperature applications, in collaboration with Rolls Royce.

Due to their high temperature capability, stiffness and low density when compared to nickel-base superalloys, It is hoped that my research will open up new opportunities for these compounds as candidates for use in future gas-turbine engines.

Lisa Blanchard

I obtained my master degree in Material Engineering from the engineering school of Phelma-Grenoble INP in France in September 2014.

Following my final year Masters project with The Welding Institute (TWI), I decided to pursue a PhD with IMPaCT in collaboration with TWI. I am now studying the effect of microstructure and cold creep on hydrogen embrittlement of (super)duplex stainless steel.

I hope that my research will help to understand the complex deformation mechanism of duplex stainless steel which appears in subsea environments.

Stefano Cademartori

I obtained a first class MEng degree in Material Science and Engineering from Genoa University, Italy.

I am now pursuing a PhD in the IMPaCT Centre. I am currently developing a numerical method for modelling ceramic injection, in collaboration with Doncasters Group.

It is hoped that my research will enable optimization of investment casting parameters for the production of aerospace and industrial gas turbine blades.

Marc-Antony Coster

I graduated with a 2.1 Bsc in Physics from Loughborough University in 2011.

I am now pursuing a PhD at the IMPaCT Center investigating stress relaxation in nickel-based superalloy springs, for use in power plants in collaboration with Alstom.

This will allow better prediction and design of said springs for extended life at high operating temperatures.

Rachel Jennings

I graduated from the University of Birmingham in 2013 with a BSc in Sports and Materials Science.

I am currently pursuing a PhD through IMPaCT, in the AMPlab group at the University of Birmingham.

I am working in collaboration with IHI Corporation researching the implementation of additive manufacturing and powder processing, to create innovative processing routes for Ni-base superalloys. It is hoped that my research will increase the efficiency and productivity of additive manufacturing.

Tatiana Mukinay

I obtained an upper second class degree in Biomedical Material Science from the University of Birmingham.

I am now pursuing a PhD in the IMPaCT Centre. I am currently investigating the feasibility of generating Wear-Resistant Anti-bacterial Ti-6Al-4V surfaces by combining Ag, Cu or Zn pre-deposition with thermal oxidation with the guidance of my supervisor Hanshan Dong.

It is hoped that my research will enable reduce the need for orthopaedic revision surgery, which are caused by numerous reasons including wear and infection.

Alistair Speidel

I obtained a first class MChem degree in chemistry from the University of Reading, graduating in 2014.

I am now pursuing a PhD at the IMPaCT centre where my project will involve work around Electrolyte Jet Machining.

I am currently based at the University of Nottingham, although the first year modules are split between this and the universities of Leicester and Birmingham.

It is hoped the development of this technique will reduce the cost of surface engineering whilst increasing and expanding its usage to many different applications.

Dimitrios Statharas

I obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Piraeus University of Applied Sciences (T.E.I. of Piraeus).

During and after my studies for my degree I worked in the field of failure analysis, mainly on cold working tool steels. After my first degree I obtained a Master of Science degree in Advanced Industrial and Manufacturing Systems from the Kingston University of London.

I am now pursuing a PhD in the IMPaCT Centre based at the University of Leicester. I am currently investigating Experimental characterization of weld cracking susceptibility for advanced high strength steels, in collaboration with Tata Steel.

It is hoped that my research will lead to the Development of techniques and procedures for weld cracking susceptibility assessment, development of materials, welding processes and guidelines for increased weld cracking resistance and the development of advanced line pipe product for ultra-deep water applications (>3000m depth)

Stephen Viles

I obtained a first class MChem degree in Chemistry from the University of Leicester and I am now pursuing a PhD in the IMPaCT Centre.

I am currently investigating the electrodeposition of nickel and cobalt at the University of Leicester.

It is hoped that my research will result in sustainable methods for nickel and cobalt electrodeposition.

Elliot Walters

I obtained a high 2.1 class BSc degree in Sports and Materials Science from the University of Birmingham.

I am now pursuing a PhD in the IMPaCT Centre, based at the University of Birmingham.

I am currently investigating the study of the anti oking properties of a new centrifugally cast alloy for Ethylene cracker furnaces, in collaboration with Doncasters Group.

It is hoped that my research will extend the working life of ethylene cracker tube furnaces and reduce the frequency or eliminate costly coke removal processes.

Wen Wu

I obtained a first class BEng degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Nottingham.

I am now pursuing a PhD in the IMPaCT centre. My research project is ‘ determination of material properties of metals and coatings using inverse indentation techniques’.

It is hoped that this project will result in a powerful numerical tool that is capable of predicting the elastic-plastic material parameters of metal coatings from experimental indentation tests.

The techniques can also be extended to model material properties in welded regions.