Graduate Studies School Postgraduate Research Scholarship: Design of Technical Ceramics for Additive Manufacturing (AM)

School of Engineering, Design and Built Environment

Lead Researcher: Prof Richard (Chunhui) Yang

About the project

This PhD project focuses on new design methodologies for technical ceramics for additive manufacturing (AM). It aims to employ advanced design methodologies to enhance the yield of technical ceramics in the AM process, emphasizing overall improvement. Research objectives include investigating design methodologies and assessing mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of AM produced technical ceramics. Research method involve utilizing software tools for design, conducting laboratory tests for material properties, practical experimentation, industry collaboration for practical validation and through documentation. The research will be done in a systematic approach starting with literature review, numerical work, modelling, optimisation, and experimental evaluation. Expected outcomes include new design methodologies, enhanced material understanding and contributions to ceramic AM knowledge.

We are now offering a research scholarship to a highly motivated PhD candidate. This PhD scholarship is funded by Graduate Studies School, Western Sydney University and 3rdAxis with $32,200 per year for three years.  Tuition fee will be waived by the university for the PhD candidate who is offered the scholarship. The PhD student is supervised by Prof. Richard (Chunhui) Yang as the principal Supervisor and co-supervised by Prof. Yixia (Sarah) Zhang, Dr Leo (Zhongpu) Zhang, Prof Brian Falzon and Mr. Ash Jain as the industrial supervisor.

The Centre for Advanced Manufacturing Technology (CfAMT), Western Sydney University, led by Director, Prof Richard (Chunhui) Yang, Co-Director, Professor Sarah Zang and Deputy Director, Prof Gu Fang, which is right at the spot of Greater Western Sydney Region (GWS). It was established to fulfill urgent national needs on bringing manufacturing back to Australia and is part of the Western Sydney University’ s Western Growth Program - Building the Future. The CfAMT’s missions are a) to develop and maintain the leadership and scholarship of Western Sydney University (WSU) on Advanced Manufacturing in Greater Western Sydney (GWS) Region working with external organisations; and b) to contribute to industrial transformation and sustainable development of local manufacturing industry via adopting advanced manufacturing technologies in GWS. It proactively collaborates with governments, communities, businesses, industry giants, SMEs, start-ups in manufacturing sector, etc.

What does the scholarship provide?

  • Domestic candidates will receive a tax-free stipend of $32,200 (AUD) per annum for up to 3 years to support living costs, supported by the Research Training Program (RTP) Fee Offset.
  • International candidates will receive a tax-free stipend of $32,200(AUD) per annum for up to 3 years to support living costs. Those with a strong track record will be eligible for a tuition fee waiver. [and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) insurance (Single Policy).]
  • Support for conference attendance, fieldwork and additional costs for materials/consumables/small equipment, up to $6,650 per year as approved by School/Institute.

International candidates are required to hold an Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) insurance policy for the duration of their study in Australia. This cost is not covered by the scholarship.

Eligibility criteria

We welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds, who are Mechanical Engineering, Additive Manufacturing, Engineering Materials, Mechanical Design, Experimental Testing, or other relevant areas. In particular, the project is suitable for candidates with strong interests in additive manufacturing of ceramics are desired although not compulsory.

The successful applicant should:

  • Hold qualifications and experience equal to one of the following (i) an Australian First Class Bachelor’s Honours Engineering Degree or Second Class Division 1, (ii) coursework Masters with at least 25% research component, (iii) Research Master’s degree, or (iv) equivalent overseas qualifications.
  • Demonstrate excellent academic records on the subjects – engineering mechanics, mechanics of materials, additive manufacturing, and materials engineering or relevant.
  • Experience on composites and numerical modelling is desired although not compulsory.
  • Research experience on experimental testing is desired.
  • Have good academic writing capability with publications in quality journals.
  • Be enthusiastic and highly motivated to undertake further study at an advanced level.
  • Have good communication and teamwork skills

International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency

How to apply

Follow the step-by-step instructions on the how to apply for a project scholarship page.

Incomplete applications or applications that do not conform to the above requirements will not be considered.

For questions and advice about the research project, please contact the Lead Researcher;
Prof Richard (Chunhui) Yang: r.yang@westernsydney.edu.au

For questions and advice about the scholarship application process, please submit your scholarship enquiry:

  • Currently enrolled WSU HDR candidate, please submit your enquiry here
  • Not currently enrolled WSU HDR candidate, please submit your enquiry here

Applications close 30 April 2024

*Applications close at 11.59pm Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT).

Scholarship reference code: PS2024_060_SoEDBE