Unlocking how to Define the Problem

Lewis is joined by a new student co-host, Frances Livera, to discuss how to find a solution we first need to properly define the problem with this month's experts, Professor Iain Todd (professor of Metallurgy) and Dr David Bowden (UK Atomic Energy Authority).

Frances is a final year PhD student within the AMS CDT. Her research looks into brazing of 3D printed components and how these joints differ from traditionally manufactured materials. She's an active member of the wider University of Sheffield Engineering community and co-chair the Engineering PGR Student Committee. Outside of work, Frances can be found crocheting, sewing, or exploring the Peak District (with snacks in hand, often a cake made by fellow PhD researcher and upcoming podcast guest Lucy, of which her favourite is coffee and walnut)!

Iain is an international authority in the field of powder metallurgy and 3D printing of metals and alloys. His work focuses on enhancing the manufacturing rate whilst improving component quality and structural integrity. His work is conducted in collaboration with industry to a scale to allow rapid transition of laboratory discoveries into industrial practice. He is highly sought-after by industry for his expertise, and his experimental results and insights have been exploited by aerospace sectors to solve important engineering challenges in the development of 3D printed aeroengine and aerostructure components.

David is leading the structural metallics development team at UKAEA, based at the Materials Research Facility, including the £10m NEURONE (NEUtron iRradiation Of advaNced stEels) programme. His team are focussed on developing high temperature steels for operation within a fusion reactor breeder blanket. David has had what he describes as quite a meandering engineering career so far, moving from aerospace, to maritime and now to nuclear. In his free time, between looking after his baby daughter, David enjoys continuing engineering at home, with a 3D printer, and combining this with hobby electronics he learnt during the many months of lockdown in 2020/21. Without pausing for breath David declared carrot cake his all tim

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We really hope you're enjoying Materials Unlocked and hope you can join us over on Instagram to see more resources from our various topics.

To find out more about the various organisations that have supported the production of this podcast please feel free to browse the links below:

• The Henry Royce Institute; the UK's national institute for advanced materials research and innovation
  • Royce at the University of Sheffield
• The University of Sheffield
  • EPSRC and SFI Advanced Metallic Systems Centre for Doctoral Training
  • Department of Materials Science and Engineering
  • Modern AlChEME research group