Future Fusion Steel Development & In-Process Fingerprinting

About the Project

This EngD (engineering doctorate) project aims to develop a new reduced activation ferritic-martensitic (RAFM) steel composition for future fusion structural applications in collaboration with Special Melted Products (https://specialmeltedproducts.com/) using the unique Royce metals processing capabilities in Sheffield (https://sheffield.ac.uk/royce-institute), that range from alloy design to melting and small-scale forging.

This novel experimental capability enables rapid alloy exploration and property feedback, guided by Thermo-Calc thermodynamic software. The outputs and scale-up discussions in this project will support will inform the industrial collaborator Special Melted Products with their 'Vulcan Project'. The student will also benefit from regular interaction with researchers at the HVM Catapult Advanced Forming Research Centre (https://www.strath.ac.uk/research/advancedformingresearchcentre/). In addition to alloy development, the Sheffield-developed Force Response Method for generating microstructure information and digital fingerprints during in-process machining (face turning) will be assessed as a direct line feedback approach to negate the need for expensive microstructural examinations.

A key application area for this knowledge is in steels for fusion energy generation. Fusion structural steel will need to be machined, hence assessing the machinability and establishing an NDE force response method is an important aspect, and will help accelerate any future alloy during scale-up at SMP.

This project will be highly experimental, utilising the world leading and unique combination of advanced metals processing facilities at the Royce Institute at the University of Sheffield. The candidate will work with the STAR group and Royce technical staff to gain invaluable experience in metal alloy melting, solid-state processing, machining and associated mechanical testing and non-destructive evaluation techniques across the full processing route, which is a rare opportunity at doctoral level study. In addition, the candidate will also gain experience in a range of characterisation and thermodynamics modelling capabilities.

In carrying out the work, you will also be part of the UKAEA Fusion Engineering CDT, and, along with your cohort of other doctoral students from universities across the UK, will receive training on cutting edge topics in fusion energy from academic and industry experts in fusion energy. The 3-month CDT fusion engineering training programme is delievered at 4 leading Russell Group research universities - the University of Manchester, Liverpool, Sheffield and Birmingham, and hence you will be funded to travel to these univiersities to recieve training across the fusion energy topic. The CDT trainnig programme is detailed at the CDT website https://www.fusion-engineering-cdt.ac.uk/training-fusioneers/programme/

The project will be co-supervised by Special Melted Products , and you will also have the opportunity to spend time at their facilities. The successful student will develop a high level of competency in metals processing - from processing through to properties - making them highly employable in a range of engineering sectors.

Apply for this project at The University of Sheffield here. Select the option for 'UKAEA EngD in Fusion Engineering 2026/27'.

For further information about the project please contact the supervisor at martin.jackson@sheffield.ac.uk.

Funding Notes

Students will receive a 4-year studentship including home tuition fees, UKRI stipend (indicated as £21,805 in 26-27) and a £25k RTSG budget for the project. All costs associated with attending CDT training will be met by the RTSG budget.

Please note that this advert will be withdrawn when a suitable candidate is identified, we recommend that you apply early.