Research Studentship in Understanding the Evolutionary Behaviour of Adiabatic Shear Bands (ASB) in Ti-CP and Ti64

3.5-year D.Phil. studentship

Supervisor: Prof Daniel Eakins, Dr David Chapman

Adiabatic shear banding (ASB) is a well-known instability observed in metals such as copper, titanium and aluminium when subjected to extreme dynamic loading (strain rates exceeding 103 s-1). Despite decades of research, the mechanisms governing its formation remain contested. A widely accepted explanation attributes ASB to the competition between thermal softening and strain hardening, with limited heat dissipation leading to localisation. However, recent experimental evidence suggests that the initiation of shear bands may be purely mechanical in origin, with adiabatic thermal effects playing little or no role in the onset of localisation.

In this project, you will attempt to resolve this debate through an investigation of ASB formation in pure and alloyed forms of titanium (e.g. CP-Ti and Ti-6Al-4V), specifically focusing on the effect of stress state, microstructure, and thermal properties. You will have access to the wide range of experimental platforms and high-speed diagnostics within the Impact and Shock Mechanics Laboratory, as well as state-of-the-art microscopy facilities to study how strain and strain-rate influence the progressive evolutionary state of ASB. 

This project offers the opportunity to undertake ground-breaking research in the field of shock-physics, involving elements of materials science, mechanics, and ultrafast diagnostics. You will be based at Begbroke Science Park as part of the Impact and Shock Mechanics group, composed of more than 30 researchers and students.

Eligibility 

This studentship is fully funded by AWE, and is open to UK students (full award – fees plus stipend).

Award Value

Course fees are covered at the level set for UK students. The stipend (tax-free maintenance grant) is set at the UKRI minimum, and at least this amount for a further 2.5 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 Materials Science, Engineering, or Physics
• A good understanding of the mechanics of materials
• 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_DE3 in all correspondence and in your graduate application.

Application deadline: noon on 27 March 2026

Start date: October 2026