The student will conduct research training through the UKRI MINDS Centre for Doctoral Training, a four-year integrated PhD programme, with a focus on the Embedded Artificial Intelligence theme. The research conducted in this theme will investigate how to efficiently and reliably embed algorithmic techniques such as deep learning, Bayesian inference and optimisation in low-power devices. This may address challenges around low-shot and transfer learning, and managing performance/efficiency trade-offs.

Doctoral Training Partnerships: a range of postgraduate training is funded by the Research Councils. For information on current funding routes, see the common terminology at https://www.ukri.org/apply-for-funding/how-we-fund-studentships/. Training grants may be to one organisation or to a consortia of research organisations. This portal will show the lead organisation only.

Architecturally heterogeneous multi-material multi-principal element alloy (MPEA) composites represent a unique class of heterostructured materials with great potential to evade the strengthductility trade-off dilemma. However, most conventional processing routes involving high temperatures (e.g., casting, additive manufacturing, and powder metallurgy) suffer from various metallurgical issues such as excessive elemental diffusion, segregation, hard intermetallic phase formation, cracking, and poor densification. To mitigate these challenges, the project suggests prefabricating various MPEA powders into billets using cold spraying (CS) and then employing solid-state friction stir processing (FSP) to achieve microstructural densification. This approach will initiate various dynamic recrystallizations in different compositional domains, allowing us to engineer architecturally heterogeneous multi-material MPEA composites. In general, this project will be implemented in phases, including optimizing process, controlling the heterostructure, evaluating mechanical performances from ambient to cryogenic temperatures, and elucidating deformation mechanisms. The results can be expected to build up the processingmicrostructuremechanical behavior correlations of the newly developed multi-material MPEA composites in a quantitative manner. This will facilitate the design and fabrication of similar heterostructured composites, thereby impacting a wide range of industrial sectors, e.g., transport, defense, nuclear, and manufacturing.

The transportation system has, during the last century, undergone a significant transformation. It is now dominated by fossil fuel based propulsion machinery with the cost of fuel accounting for a large proportion of the running costs of the light and heavy duty vehicles. Against this background, recent developments have led many in the automotive industry to question whether the present modes of vehicle propulsion are sustainable due to three main factors: rising fuel, environmental regulations and the potential introduction of carbon taxes. Within the wider international debate on climate change there are increasing calls for transport vehicles to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, most notably carbon dioxide although other exhaust gases components are also included. A simultaneous exploration of clean fuel options and advanced engine technology innovations is a step forward towards sustainable vehicle propulsion systems. Hydrogen blended diesel dual fuel combustion is a viable option for future heavy duty propulsion systems as hydrogen is a clean low carbon fuel, and can be mass produced from both renewable and non-renewables sources such as water, wind, hydro-electric, biofuel, natural gas and nuclear.