Study of Mechanical Behaviour of Zircaloy at High Temperature
About the Project
A UK PhD studentship is available at the University of Birmingham with a tax-free stipend at the UKRI standard level. The project is co-funded by the Rolls-Royce Plc, co-supervised by Dr Joe Ward and Dr Kaid Mavrou.
About the project:
The mechanical behaviour of zircaloy is important for its application as nuclear fuel cladding, to experimentally validate the predictive models being developed on through-life behaviour and also to evaluate the performance at loss of coolant accident conditions.
The project will use the recently commissioned high temperature slow strain rate testing facility at the University of Birmingham and other National Nuclear User Facilities (https://www.nnuf.ac.uk/). The effect of oxidation on the mechanical properties will be evaluated at temperatures up to 1000 oC. The microstructural features such as grain size and their influence on the mechanical properties will also be evaluated. There is a specific interest in the effects of strain accumulation on the stress state of materials and how this impacts on the structural integrity of components. This project will involve close collaboration with other institutions, such as MIDAS (https://www.zr-midas.org/), on characterisation of irradiated materials and strong ties to industry with material and advice being provided.
The candidate should have a 1st class or 2.1 Undergraduate or Masters degree (or equivalent) in Physics, Materials Science, or related discipline. A background in nuclear irradiation and/or mechanical/microstructural characterisation would be advantageous.
About the University of Birmingham: UoB (https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/) is a world top 100 university and part of the prestigious Russell Group with increasing research activities in nuclear fission and fusion.
About Rolls-Royce: RR (https://www.rolls-royce.com/) is engaged in nuclear research for both defence and civilian applications to develop nuclear powers for sea, land and space application.
Project supervisors: Yu-Lung Chiu, Joe Ward and Kaid Mavrou.
To Apply please provide: (1) A curriculum vitae (CV), (2) A Cover Letter summarising your research interests and suitability for the position, and (3) The contact details of two Referees. Please send to Professor Yu-Lung Chiu – y.chiu@bham.ac.uk
Funding Notes
The project is co-funded by the Rolls-Royce Plc.
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