EPSRC Nuclear Fission Consortium Studentship
Irradiation Effects on Damage Nucleation
The University of Manchester - School of Materials
Start date: any time before October 2012 (preferably June 2012)
Deadline for applications: Open
Project details:
The microstructural stability of materials under fast neutron irradiation at elevated temperatures is a key life-limiting factor for structural and fuel components in the core of fission reactors. The structure of the energy generation market in the UK and the development of diverse sources of energy means that future nuclear reactor systems will be required to respond to greater load fluctuations, leading to increased complexity in lifetime prediction. Degradation occurs by processes such as irradiation embrittlement, creep ductility loss, and irradiation-assisted stress corrosion cracking (IASCC). Reliable assurance of lifetime will require improvements in our understanding of these degradation mechanisms, which are extremely sensitive to the processing and joining techniques employed to fabricate the individual components as well as to changes in microstructure and mechanical loading caused by neutron irradiation.
The PhD project is part of an EPSRC funded consortium titled "Performance and Reliability of Metallic Materials for Nuclear Fission Power Generation”, which involves the University of Manchester, University of Oxford, Imperial College London, University of Bristol, Loughborough University and The Open University, Industrial stakeholders include British Energy, Rolls-Royce plc., NNL and SERCO.
This particular project aims at understanding how irradiation physically alters the microstructure in stainless steels in terms of defect substructure, development of irradiation-induced segregation, etc. and how these changes lead to hardening, embrittlement and/or susceptibility to irradiation-assisted stress corrosion cracking. This will underpin the development of predictive life models for nuclear power plant components. The project will utilise numerous microstructural characterisation techniques including analytical electron microscopy (which will involve the use of a state-of-the-art FEI Titan ChemiSTEM) to characterise irradiation-induced defects and damage features, and quantify irradiation-induced segregation to interfaces and defects. The effect of proton irradiation on mechanical properties of the stainless steels will be assess via tensile and hardness tests. The degradation in material performance will be explored by testing proton-irradiated specimens at elevated temperatures approaching the nuclear environment using an advanced imaging autoclave. This will be accompanied by TEM, FIB and EBSD examination of initiation sites to investigate the role of microstructure in damage generation.
The studentship will be mainly based within the "Materials Performance Centre" at the University of Manchester
Qualifications:
The candidate should be able to demonstrate an aptitude for material science. They should have achieved a 2:1 degree in Material Science, Engineering or Physics. They will be expected to work as part of the consortia team at other establishments if required.
Funding:
The studentship covers Home/EU fees (£3,466) and a stipend of £13,590 (at 2010/11 rates) and as a result of funding restrictions, is available only to Home/EU Students. Overseas students should NOT apply.
Enquiries:
Informal enquiries regarding the project should be directed to the project supervisor: Professor M. Grace Burke m.g.burke@manchester.ac.uk
Webpage: http://www.manchester.ac.uk/mpc