PhD in Advancing Digital Solutions for Sustainable Metals Manufacturing with Innoval and DigitalMetal-CDT

Applicants are invited to undertake a 4-year, enhanced stipend PhD studentship within the Digital Metal CDT at Loughborough University, in partnership with Innoval Technology Ltd. The project evaluates, enhances, and extends Innoval’s digital tools and modelling capabilities for sustainable metals manufacturing, including rolling, quenching, coil heating/cooling, vibration analysis, spray impact, cost, and carbon footprint models. The research addresses Industry 4.0 to Materials 4.0 transitions, integrating real-time data, machine learning, and sustainability metrics. Objectives include: Comprehensive review of existing digital tools for process models. Integration with Materials 4.0 frameworks, digital twins, and predictive modelling. Development of sustainability-focused functionalities for energy, resource efficiency, and circularity. Validation through industrial case studies in automotive, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing. Roadmap for Innoval’s next-generation digital platform. Methodology: Combines computational modelling, data analytics, machine learning, materials science, process metallurgy, lifecycle assessment, and digital workflow integration. Involves model verification, experimental data comparison, digital twin prototyping, and case studies with industrial collaborators. Expected Outcomes: Reviewed and enhanced digital tools for metals manufacturing. New sustainability metrics and predictive optimisation tools. Prototype integration with Materials 4.0 standards. Strategic roadmap supporting decarbonisation in metals manufacturing. Impact: Supports Innoval’s leadership in digital and sustainable metals manufacturing, improving energy efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, enhancing product quality, and supporting industrial processes globally.

UK BEng 2:1 degree or equivalent in materials, mechanical, manufacturing, chemistry, or related discipline
At least 70% in project element
Interest in modelling, data analytics, and experimental research
Ability to spend time at Loughborough University and Innoval

Submit through University of Leicester Application Portal with all supporting documents. For informal enquiries, email digitalmetal-cdt@le.ac.uk