Research Studentship in the development of a temperature- and rate-dependent single-crystal model for metals, University of Oxford

4-year D.Phil. studentship

Supervisor: Prof Daniel Eakins, Dr Simone Falco

The plastic deformation behaviour of single-crystals in metals is fundamentally governed by the motion and interaction of dislocations, which are strongly influenced by strain-rate and temperature. Accurate modelling of rate- and temperature-dependent plasticity in single crystals is therefore essential for predicting the mechanical response of metallic materials under diverse loading and environmental conditions, e.g. as components of aircraft engines. The state-of-the-art in modelling includes a wide variety of approaches, from highly computationally efficient phenomenological power laws to more accurate atomistic modelling. However, despite significant efforts in the past decades, our ability to model behaviour in “extreme conditions” (e.g. high temperature, high rate) is still relatively limited, owing to the complex, multiscale nature of the underlying deformation mechanisms and the challenges associated with bridging length and time scales.

In this DPhil project, the student will have the opportunity to explore different approaches to model crystal plasticity, developing novel computational techniques to combine accurate physically-based predictions into computationally efficient frameworks using relatively conventional (e.g. hierarchical multiscale) or more novel (e.g. machine learning) algorithms. The numerical work will rely on direct measurements with high spatial and temporal resolutions carried out as part of the larger group effort into understanding crystal plasticity in “extreme conditions”.

This project offers the opportunity to join a vibrant research group and undertake ground-breaking research in the fields of impact engineering, shock-physics, and materials science, involving both computational and experimental elements within physics and mechanics. You will be based at Begbroke Science Park as part of the Impact and Shock Mechanics group, comprising more than 30 researchers and students.

Eligibility

This studentship is funded by EPSRC and Rolls-Royce, and is open to both Home and Overseas students. Note that course fees are covered at the level set for UK students only.

Award Value

Course fees are covered at the level set for UK students c. £10,470. The stipend (tax-free maintenance grant) is at the UKRI minimum stipend of c. £20,780 p.a. for the first year, and at least this amount for a further three years.

Candidate Requirements

Prospective candidates will be judged according to how well they meet the following criteria:

• A first class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in Engineering, Physics or Materials Science
• Excellent English written and spoken communication skills

The following skills are also highly desirable:

•  Ability to program in Matlab, Python or similar
• Strong laboratory-based skills

Application Procedure

Informal enquiries are encouraged and should be addressed to Prof Daniel Eakins daniel.eakins@eng.ox.ac.uk. 

Candidates must submit a graduate application form and are expected to meet the graduate admissions criteria. Details are available on the course page of the University website.

Please quote 26ENGMM_DE2 in all correspondence and in your graduate application.

Application deadline: noon 3 March 2026 (In line with the University admissions deadline set by the University)

Start date: October 2026