Ben Thomas Email & Phone Number

Sheffield, Gb

Sheffield

I am currently working as a research associate in the Manufacturing with Advanced Powder Processes (MAPP) EPSRC Hub.

Sheffield, United Kingdom

Following on from my PhD at the University of Sheffield I have been fortunate to be able to pursue my research further as a Research Associate in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. Further funding was leveraged for two projects; both of which are concerned with improvements in the continuous extrusion of titanium particulates. In particular, direct funding from a large automotive partner has enabled us to continue experimental work into the scalability of continuously extruded titanium, both in the size and shape of product. The second project, while also involving research into continuous extrusion is mainly focused on how to produce a useable product from continuously extruded titanium. In this case we are pushing the envelope and attempting to develop lengths of round rod/wire into compression springs for various automotive applications. We are also in the process of filing a patent to protect the work developed during my PhD and our background IP for future projects.In order to support the group's research into powder metallurgy of titanium and it's alloys I am developing contact models for use with EDEM, discrete element modelling software from DEM Solutions. Initial results are very promising and are providing further insight into the continuous extrusion process with metal powders.

University Of Sheffield

I am currently conducting research into the solid state processing of titanium alloy powders as a member of the Advanced Metallic Systems Centre for Doctoral Training at the University of Sheffield.After obtaining a degree from the Physics and Astronomy Department in the University of Sheffield I decided to apply myself to something more 'down to earth' and the Advanced Metallic Systems CDT presented me with the ideal way to adapt to a PhD in a different subject area. The work is based on developing a cost-effective downstream manufacturing process for the next generation of low cost titanium powders. I aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of producing titanium springs, spring-forms and fasteners at a competitive cost to current speciality steels in a range of industries. I have used a combination of physical analysis, finite element modelling (DEFORM-2D and 3D) and experimental trials to successfully understand the inner workings of the continuous rotary extrusion process and it's application to metallic powders. Current knowledge developed through my PhD has allowed our group to produce long lengths of commercially pure titanium rod directly from particulate feedstocks. These lengths have also been successfully wire drawn down to a range of diameters suitable for automotive engine valve springs.Further funding from the University of Sheffield as part of a consortium has enabled me to continue my research with a larger team working towards commercialisation of powder-titanium long products for the automotive industry.

MPhys Physics and Astronomy student, graduated July 2010 with an upper second class degree.