PhD/MPhil Liquid Metal Engineering

Research profile

The Liquid Metal Engineering area is led by the Brunel Centre for Advanced Solidification (BCAST), a dynamic research centre focused on solidification and casting, which has steadily grown to become one of the largest and best-recognised groups in the field worldwide. Our vision is for ‘full metal circulation’: a world in which the demand for metallic materials is met using recycled and reused secondary metals, with only limited edition of primary metals each year. This vision is deeply rooted in the approach we take to our research, which ranges from atomic level basic research to industrial-scale trials of new technology. At the basic end, we conduct fundamental research into microstructural control through the nucleation stage of solidification and develop novel metallic materials by crafting new alloys that have significantly improved properties and can be recycled entirely.

Our work in technology development is more practical and involves the manufacture of high-performance metallic components and feedstock materials by innovative solidification processing. Then there is our work, in close concert with industrial partners throughout the supply chain, to up-scale and transfer new technologies and develop sustainable metallurgy – studies that are wholly focused on application.

Careers and your future

Tailored careers support is offered to all our current PhD students and for up to 3 years after you complete your research at Brunel. We help you to actively engage in career planning and managing your personal development right from the start of your research. Our careers provision includes online advice, one to one consultations and a range of events and workshops.

In addition, where available, you may be able to undertake some paid work as we recognise that teaching and learning support duties represent an important professional and career development opportunity. MPhil option available.