Understanding Impact-Fatigue Damage in Steel Grinding Media

Steel media for SAG mills and high-impact ball mills represent a major portion of the industry partner's business, hence the motivations to better understand these fatigue and fracture damage phenomena are strong.  The current literature on the fatigue and fracture-resistance of high-C martensitic steel grinding media is extremely sparse.

Between UQ and the industry partner, we are well-equipped to conduct rigorous experimental research to develop a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon of impact-fatigue in steel grinding media.

Within the University of Queensland's School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering, the Wear Resistant Materials research group has a suite of globally-unique laboratory apparatus capable of producing industrially-realistic service conditions.  In addition, the industry partner for this project has full-industrial-scale impact-fatigue testing facilities.  The successful applicant will be trained in rigorous academic research methodologies, but will also see the significance and application of their research outcomes in a global manufacturing company.

This project is supported by the Research project scholarship.

Learn more about the Research project scholarship.

You must contact the principal supervisor for this project to discuss your interest. You should only complete the online application after you have reached agreement on supervision.

Always make sure you are approaching your potential supervisor in a professional way. We have provided some guidelines for you on how to contact a supervisor.

Your application will be assessed on a competitive basis.

We take into account your:

• previous academic record
• publication record
• honours and awards
• employment history.

You will demonstrate academic achievement in the field(s) of Materials Engineering and/or Mechanical Engineering and the potential for scholastic success.

A background or knowledge of Metallurgy, processing & properties of high-C steels used in mineral grinding and Tribological damage processes in mineral comminution is highly desirable.

Before you apply

Before submitting an application you should:

1. check your eligibility for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
2. prepare your documentation
3. contact Dr Jeff Gates (J.Gates@uq.edu.au) to discuss your interest and suitability
4. submit your application by 25 April, 2024 25 April, 2024.

When you apply

You apply for this scholarship when you submit an application for your program. You don’t need to submit a separate scholarship application.

In your application ensure that under the ‘Scholarships and collaborative study’ section you select:

• ‘My higher degree is not collaborative’
• ‘I am applying for, or have been awarded a scholarship or sponsorship'
• ‘Other’, then ‘Research Project Scholarship’ and in the ‘Name of scholarship’ field enter STEEL-GATES.

Apply now