Rapid heating processes such as induction heating are increasingly used in modern and sustainable manufacturing, offering reduced energy consumption, shorter processing times, and improved material efficiency compared with conventional heat treatments. However, the fundamental metallurgical processes that occur during rapid induction heating - particularly phase transformations and the diffusion and distribution of alloying elements - are not yet fully understood. This PhD project aims to address this gap by studying phase change behaviour in rapidly heated steel sections.

The project will focus on steels (plain carbon, high carbon and HSLA) heated above their austenitising temperature under short, high-rate thermal cycles representative of industrial processing routes. The student will investigate how variations in induction-heating parameters, including frequency, current and heating rate influence phase transformations, alloying-element redistribution, and resulting microstructures. Advanced microstructural and compositional characterisation techniques will be used, alongside mechanical testing, to link processing conditions to material performance. Alternative methods of rapid heating such as additive manufacturing and flow forming will also be reviewed. Further to experimental work, the project may include computational simulations of heat transfer, diffusion, and phase transformation kinetics to support interpretation of results and enable process optimisation. The research will contribute to the development of more energy-efficient and predictable heat-treatment routes for steel components, supporting sustainable manufacturing and high-value production.

This project is suitable for candidates with a background in materials science, metallurgy, mechanical engineering, or a related discipline, and offers training in experimental metallurgy, advanced characterisation, and modelling within a collaborative research environment.


Industrial Sponsorship

The PhD is fully funded through the EPSRC ICASE scheme and supported by BAE Systems, offering strong industrial relevance and collaboration. The student will be based at Cranfield University in the Sustainable Manufacturing Systems Centre, part of the Manufacturing, Materials and Design theme. Access to necessary experimental facilities including advanced microscopy, materials characterization and relevant simulation tools will be provided. Throughout the project, there will be regular collaboration with BAE Systems Land UK, including on-site placement and access to induction furnaces and related equipment. Additional engagement with other organisations may also be part of the research journey, providing exposure to a broad network of practitioners and stakeholders.

At a glance

  • Application deadline18 Feb 2026
  • Award type(s)PhD
  • Start date01 Jun 2026
  • Duration of award4 years (full-time)
  • EligibilityUK
  • Reference numberCRAN-0043

Supervisor

1st Supervisor: Dr Konstantinos Georgarakis

Entry requirements

We welcome applicants with a First or Upper Second-Class honours degree (or equivalent) in materials science, metallurgy, mechanical engineering, physics or a related discipline. Ideal candidates will be analytical, self-motivated, and interested in working across both academic and applied industrial domains.

Funding

  • Fully funded for UK nationals.
  • Stipend of £25,000 (tax-free) per year for four years.
  • Tuition fees covered in full.
  • Project open to UK, EU and overseas nationals. To be eligible for funding, the applicants must have UK citizenship.

Diversity and Inclusion at Cranfield

We are committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion in our CDT program, and warmly encourage applications from students of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups. We particularly welcome students with disabilities, neurodiverse individuals, and those who identify with diverse ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, cultures, and socioeconomic statuses. Cranfield strives to provide an accessible and inclusive environment to enable all doctoral candidates to thrive and achieve their full potential.

At Cranfield, we value our diverse staff and student community and maintain a culture where everyone can work and study together harmoniously with dignity and respect. This is reflected in our University values of ambition, impact, respect and community. We welcome students and staff from all backgrounds from over 100 countries and support our staff and students to realise their full potential, from academic achievement to mental and physical wellbeing.

We are committed to progressing the diversity and inclusion agenda, for example; gender diversity in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) through our Athena SWAN Bronze award and action plan, we are members of the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) and Working Families, and sponsors of International Women in Engineering Day. We are also Disability Confident Level 1 Employers and members of the Business Disability Forum and Stonewall University Champions Programme. 

Cranfield Doctoral Network

Research students at Cranfield benefit from being part of a dynamic, focused and professional study environment and all become valued members of the Cranfield Doctoral Network. This network brings together both research students and staff, providing a platform for our researchers to share ideas and collaborate in a multi-disciplinary environment. It aims to encourage an effective and vibrant research culture, founded upon the diversity of activities and knowledge. A tailored programme of seminars and events, alongside our Doctoral Researchers Core Development programme (transferable skills training), provide those studying a research degree with a wealth of social and networking opportunities.

How to apply

For further information please contact:

Name: Dr Konstantinos Georgarakis
Email: k.georgarakis@cranfield.ac.uk

If you are eligible to apply for this studentship, please complete the online application form.

Please note that applications will be reviewed as they are received. Therefore, we encourage early submission, as the position may be filled before the stated deadline.