Designing layered nuclear fuel systems by improved understanding of Cr-X and Cr-Nb-X alloys
About the Project
Accident tolerant fuel systems are being developed to improve the safety and longevity of nuclear reactors. One promising option is a chromium-based coating applied to the fuel cladding, which can limit oxidation during a loss-of-coolant accident and extend the useful lifetime of the fuel.
We are looking for applicants eager to push this concept forward through materials design and development of new layered alloy systems for nuclear power. The successful candidate will apply state-of-the-art computational approaches, combining atomistic (density functional theory) simulations with CALPHAD phase diagram modelling to accelerate materials design and application.
In this project, you will design high-performance materials from these layered fuel systems and tackle real knowledge gaps in the composition-dependent properties of chromium alloy (Cr-X) and chromium-niobium alloy (Cr-Nb-X) systems.
This fully-funded four-year PhD studentship is offered in the Nuclear Futures Institute at Bangor University under the supervision of Dr. Tessa Davey, with support from UKRI and Westinghouse Electric Company UK Ltd.
A first-class or 2:1 degree in a relevant STEM subject (e.g. Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or Mathematics) is preferred. Equivalent industrial experience will also be considered during the eligibility assessment.
Students are required to be able to achieve MoD Enhanced BPSS status, as a condition of ongoing enrolment and funding. Due to conditions of funding, applicants must have Home Fees status and be eligible to work in the UK nuclear industry upon graduation.
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