Dr Tamsin Whitfield - University of Oxford

Research Fellowships 2024

Technological advances in sustainable power production and low carbon transportation will demand that materials achieve combinations of properties beyond those of current engineering alloys. Traditional alloy design focusses on alloys with one principle alloying element. In recent years, ‘high entropy’ alloy design approaches, with complex compositions, have enabled the exploration of new regions of composition space. However, this complexity can lead to metastable microstructures with inconsistent properties. The question of finding stability, or harnessing metastability, underpins the development of novel structural materials. In her Royal Academy of Engineering Research Fellowship, Dr Tamsin Whitfield proposes a multithreaded project, designing cutting-edge alloys that use microstructural stability and metastability to provide a step change in performance and reduce carbon emissions.

Improving the carbon footprint of the transport sector will include developing efficient or alternative power sources and lighter structures, reducing the energy consumption of vehicles. 

Compositionally complex refractory metal superalloys (RSAs) have superior high temperature strength, offering a step change in aero engine efficiency, but stable microstructures have yet to be produced. In this work at the University of Oxford, she will determine thermodynamically and environmentally stable RSA compositions with the high temperature mechanical properties to raise engine efficiency. She will also lead exploration and design of new lightweight high entropy alloys, which have not seen significant research to date. Additive manufacturing will be used to improve control of the microstructures that form and allow printing of light components, increasing the efficiency and range of electric vehicles.

Fusion has the potential to generate low carbon energy, but the harsh conditions within the reactor pose a major materials challenge. Recently, ‘SMART’ oxidation resistant W-alloys have been developed but they undergo spinodal decomposition, which will affect their microstructures and so, properties. Dr Whitfield’s previous work on both spinodal decomposition and fusion materials puts her in a unique position to investigate the decomposition of ‘SMART’ W-alloys and the implications for the fusion industry. Dr Tamsin Whitfield’s research will provide insight into the microstructural transformation mechanisms and stability of these systems, informing the design of improved engineering alloys that will enable the transition to a more sustainable society.

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