Industry urged to support research to help businesses working in demanding environments
Businesses are being encouraged to play a role in new research looking at how artificial intelligence could help organisations working in demanding environments.
Industries operating in mechanically, thermally and cryogenically demanding environments such as liquefied gas infrastructure, aerospace systems and advanced energy technologies require structural materials that can maintain strength, toughness and reliability under extreme service conditions.
Research in this field examines how processing and heat treatment modify the microstructure of steels and alloys, and how these changes influence mechanical performance, durability and failure resistance in harsh environments.
Mechanical Engineer Dr Dimitrios Statharas, of Space Park Leicester and the University of Leicester’s School of Engineering, is seeking sponsorship for a PhD which will examine if artificial intelligence tools can improve materials processing and the process of extracting metals in their natural, unprocessed state to improve their durability.
He said: “Industries operating in mechanically, thermally, and cryogenically demanding environments face limitations in material reliability, wear resistance, and lifecycle performance.
“The objective of this research is to improve material durability, reliability, and service life in demanding environments through structured optimisation of processing routes and microstructure.
“We’re keen to collaborate on this research with organisations which are seeking to address materials performance, reliability or process optimisation challenges. This could be relating to a specific industrial challenge, a material or component class, or a broader strategic objective.”
Businesses can get involved in the research through a range of opportunities, including directly funding the research, industry sponsored doctoral programmes, collaborative grant applications, Innovate UK participation, consultancy, or focused technical feasibility studies.
To find out more about getting involved in the PhD project called ‘Data Driven Materials Optimisation for Extreme Service Environments’, email Dr Statharas at ds708@leicester.ac.uk.
To explore Space Park Leicester partnerships, missions, residents, facilities, training programmes and innovation products, visit space-park.co.uk or to learn more about the University of Leicester visit le.ac.uk/.
Main image: Organisations urged to support new research at Space Park Leicester