ProfessorJulie Cairney

Project Opportunities

Title: Advanced characterisation of hydrogen embrittlement in pipeline and vessel steels

Summary of opportunity:

Research Area:

Materials Engineering, Microscopy, Hydrogen

Opportunity synopsis:

Australia has committed to achieving a carbon-free economy by 2050 to preserve our climate for future generations. Replacing fossil fuels with clean hydrogen fuel is key to this transition but presents a challenge in terms of infrastructure, as conventional steels fracture easily when they come into contact with hydrogen. The project aims to develop new steels that are safe to use in high-pressure hydrogen pipes. It will focus on understanding the interaction between steel microstructure and hydrogen, ultimately enabling the production of a safe gas infrastructure necessary for a hydrogen economy.

This prestigious scholarship is directly supported by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research) of the University of Sydney as part of the Australian Research Council Linkage Project. The selected researcher will be involved in a collaborative network, including international steel manufacturers and world-leading researchers, having opportunities to attend international conferences. For more information, please visit:

• https://research.csiro.au/hyresearch/embrittlement-tolerant-alloys-for-safe-hydrogen-transmission-and-storage
• https://research.csiro.au/hyresearch/mitigating-hydrogen-embrittlement-in-high-strength-steels
• https://research.csiro.au/hyresearch/characterise-high-performance-green-steels-for-the-hydrogen-economy

Offering:

• This scholarship is offered to both international and domestic PhD applicants for 3.5 year (fulltime) at the RTP stipend rate of $40,109  p.a. and includes tuition fees.
• Female applicants are strongly recommended to apply.

Successful candidates must:

• Have a Bachelor degree (Honours or Honours Class 1 equivalent) or a Master degree,
• Have a degree or track records in Materials, Mechanical Engineering, or Physics,
• Have experience in experimental research, academic writing, and using microscopes for microstructure characterisation,

How to Apply: To apply, please email julie.cairney@sydney.edu.au, with the subject line PhD Application: and your name. Include the following:

• CV and cover letter
• Transcripts (can be unofficial)

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Project Opportunities

Title: Characterisation of material mechanical properties in extreme environments

Summary of opportunity:

Research Area:

Materials Engineering, Materials Characterisation, Mechanics

Opportunity synopsis:

This PhD project aims to establish and apply the state-of-the-art facility to conduct mechanical testing under in-situ observation at small scales in high-resolution microscopes to understand material behaviours under various extreme environments such as high and low temperatures, high-cyclic loading, highly abrasive and corrosive environment, or hydrogen. The outcomes will provide valuable insights of how microstructures affect mechanical properties at the conditions, providing a guide to develop structural materials that can withstand the conditions, underpinning the advancement of Australia's advanced manufacturing and sustainable energy sectors.

This scholarship is co-funded by the Future Fuels CRC program and the Australian Research Council. The selected researcher will conduct research primarily at the Australian Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis and the School of Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering of the Faculty of Engineering. The candidate will be involved in a collaborative network, including world-leading researchers and international industry partners producing high-end microscopes and mechanical testing facilities. The candidate will also have regular opportunities to attend international conferences with funding support.

Offering:

• This opportunity is open to domestic and international students, with priority given to domestic applicants.
• The scholarship is for 3.5 year (fulltime) at the RTP stipend rate of $40,109 p.a. and includes tuition fees.
• Female applicants are strongly recommended to apply.

Successful candidates must:

• Have a Bachelor degree (Honours or Honours Class 1 equivalent) or a Master degree,
• Have a degree or track records in Materials, Mechanical Engineering, or Physics,
• Have experience in experimental research, academic writing, and using microscopes for microstructure characterisation,
• Be able to commence fulltime by the 20 October 2023 or early in 2024.
•  

How to Apply: To apply, please email julie.cairney@sydney.edu.au, with the subject line PhD Application: and your name. Include the following:

• CV and cover letter
• Transcripts (can be unofficial)