An exciting opportunity exists to conduct research into the design of lightweight blade-containment casings for microengines.

As a scholarship recipient, you will receive a tax free stipend of AUD $27,222 per annum for three years and have the opportunity to be part of a dynamic research team.

Researchers have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and world-class research facilities. Specially designed training will help you reach your education, research and career goals faster.

About the project

The design of turbojets or microengines must demonstrate that fragments from a turbine blade failure are contained within a specially designed casing. An uncontained failure may result in damage to fuel lines, control cables or the passenger cabin which could significantly compromise the safety of the aircraft and passengers. This casing is typically in the form of a ring surrounding the fan blade disc and made from solid  Ni, Ti or aluminium depending on the temperature at individual sections of an engine. One of the primary drivers in the design of jet engines or microengines is the reduction in overall weight which leads to better fuel efficiency and, for transport aircraft, consequently a reduction in environmental impact per cost mile. The design of a lightweight blade containment casing will make a contribution towards this aim.

The emergence of additive manufacturing technology, where complex net geometries may be developed by the selective laser melting of alloy powders, provides an opportunity for the design of detailed and intricate structures which could not be feasibly produced by other conventional manufacturing methods. The aim of this research is two-fold; (1) the first is to optimise the microstructure and mechanical properties of a suitable alloy to meet the service requirement under a particular temperature and stress condition, and (2) to use a computational optimisation strategy for the topological optimisation of the sub-scale structure for minimum weight but maintain the same stress-bearing capability.

The project will be co-supervised by Prof Brian G. Falzon, Chair of Aerospace Engineering, and Prof Xinhua Wu, Director of the ARC Centre of Excellence in Light Metals. This is a project sponsored by a French company and annual travel to France is envisaged.

Eligibility criteria

A four year Bachelor of Engineering, Bachelor of Aerospace or Bachelor of Science (Honours) from a recognised tertiary institution with H1 or high H2A and have a particular interest in computational modelling and advanced materials.

 Applications

Applications close 2 September 2011 or unless filled. Applications should be sent to Professor Brian Falzon at brian.falzon@monash.edu and include a cover letter, curriculum vitae and academic transcript