PhD: Developing a Theory of the Magnetic Fingerprint of Stress in Materials

In the development of sustainable materials and manufacturing, residual stress forces hidden within a material can cause serious problems, compromising performance and reliability. Magnetic non-destructive testing (mNDT) experiments involve measuring a material’s magnetic response to an applied field. In principle these experiments could offer a quick and efficient route to detect residual stress, without damaging or weakening the material. However, a rigorous theoretical framework to interpret the measurements is still lacking. This project addresses this gap by combining quantum mechanical calculations with continuum micromagnetic theory to bridge atomic and macroscopic length scales. Developing a predictive, fundamental theory linking stress to measurable magnetic signals will widen the applicability of mNDT and support the design of next-generation materials. This project is offered through the HetSys Centre for Doctoral Training at the University of Warwick: an innovative, interdisciplinary fully funded PhD programme that brings together science, engineering, and mathematics to tackle some of the most pressing challenges of our time. Awards for UK, EU, International applicants cover full University fees, give a research training budget and a tax-free stipend to cover living costs.