ProfessorChristopherGourlay

Research centres on the Solidification Processing of alloys. Current and recent projects include:

Deformation during alloy solidification

We are exploring the analogies between deformation mechanisms in equiaxed solidifying alloys and saturated granular materials such as water-saturated sand.  Research is focussing on Al-based and Fe-based casting alloys. Part of the work involves directly measuring semi-solid deformation at the crystal-scale using synchrotron x-ray imaging.

Eutectic growth

Directional solidification studies of Sn-based eutectics  are being used to reveal the dynamics of solidification in Pb-free solders.  Examples include the Sn-Cu₆Sn₅ eutectic, the univariant Sn-(Cu,Ni)₆Sn₅ eutectic, and the metastable Sn-NiSn₄ eutectic.  The radiograph to the right shows a Sn-Cu₆Sn₅ eutectic front during growth at the SPring-8 synchrotron (with Kyoto University)

Solder joint formation and stability

Solder joints between Sn-Cu-Ni solders and Cu and Ni substrates are under investigation. Projects include: (i) intermetallic compound formation in ternary Sn-Cu-Ni alloys, (ii) the influence of Ni additions on the stability of η and η’ Cu₆Sn₅, and (iii) reaction zone kinetics. In collaboration with Nihon Superior and the University of Queensland.

 High pressure die casting (HPDC) of Al and Mg alloys

Our team has conducted various projects on the formation of microstructure and defects in high-pressure die-casting (HPDC).  One approach is to link results from laboratory mush-mechanics experiments with microstructures in HPDC parts.  Another focus is on understanding how the HPDC process affects the nucleation and growth of intermetallics in HPDC alloys.

• Dr. Jingwei Xian, Postdoctoral Researcher
• Dr. Liuqing Peng, Postdoctoral Researcher
• Dr. Yi Cui, Postdoctoral Researcher
• Cheng-Jung Lin, PhD student
• Sihan Sun, PhD student
• Di Wang, PhD student
• Wenhao Yu, PhD student
• Xiaomei Shen, PhD student
• Chen-Lin Hsieh, PhD student
• Weiqi Chen, PhD student
• Yankun Li, PhD student
• Thanasis Zois, PhD student
• Hongxuan Wang,  PhD student

Individual project descriptions are given on the Engineering Alloys theme webpages.

Graduated PhD students (* = second supervisor)

• Armin Daszki, PhD 2021
• Liuqing Peng, PhD 2021
• Yi Cui, PhD 2021
• Tianhong Gu*, PhD 2019
• Te-Cheng Su, PhD 2019
• Ning Hou, PhD 2018
• Zhenqi Li, PhD 2018
• Zhaolong Ma, PhD 2017
• Hao Shang, PhD 2017
• Jingwei Xian, PhD 2016
• Phromphong Pandee*, PhD 2014
• Kristina Maria Kareh, PhD 2013
• Sergey Belyakov, PhD 2013
• Bastian Meylan*, PhD 2010
• Somboon Otarawanna*, PhD 2009

Postdoctoral Researcher Alumni

• Sergey Belyakov, 2009-20, now at Tokamak Energy Ltd., UK
• Te-Cheng Su, 2019-20, now Professor at National Taiwan University
• Guang Zeng, 2016-18. now Professor at Central South University, China
• Fatin Altuhafi, 2016-17, now at University College London
• Kristina Maria Kareh, 2013-15, now Senior Editor at Nature Journals
• Maelig Ollivier, 2013-15, now at MINES Saint-Étienne, France 
• Joana Fonseca, 2011-12, now Senior Lecturer at City, University of London
• Lang Yuan, 2010-11, now Professor at the University of South Carolina, USA