Understanding Iron Transport and Flow Assisted Corrosion in PWR Secondary Systems

About the Project

We are offering an exciting PhD opportunity in partnership with EDF Energy to investigate iron transport mechanisms and flow assisted corrosion (FAC) within the secondary circuit of Pressurised Water Reactors (PWRs). This project addresses a key challenge for long term operation at Sizewell B, where understanding corrosion product generation, deposition and transport is essential for optimising chemistry control and maintaining steam generator performance. The work offers a unique combination of materials science, aqueous corrosion, chemistry control, and nuclear engineering.

Introduction

As PWRs extend their operational lifetimes, the behaviour of corrosion products within the secondary circuit becomes increasingly important. At Sizewell B, the accumulation of iron oxide based deposits has implications for thermal performance, impurity concentration, degradation mechanisms such as denting and hard collar formation, and long term component reliability. Much of this behaviour is linked to flow assisted corrosion (FAC) in carbon steel systems, but the mechanisms of iron release, transport and deposition remain insufficiently understood. This PhD will directly address these knowledge gaps by combining experimental testing, materials characterisation, and simulated secondary side flow conditions.

Project Overview

This doctoral project will develop improved understanding of FAC behaviour and iron transport within PWR secondary circuits. You will:

• Characterise particulate iron and corrosion products.
• Develop a laboratory flow loop to simulate secondary side flow conditions.
• Perform accelerated FAC experiments under controlled conditions, varying water chemistry, flow conditions, and material condition.
• Investigate the evolution of corrosion product morphology and release mechanisms under different chemistry and flow regimes.
• Assess strategies for operational chemistry optimisation to reduce FAC rates and mitigate deposition formation in the steam generator.

Your findings will support EDF’s long term operation strategy for Sizewell B and contribute to improved understanding of secondary side corrosion processes in PWRs.

Benefits to the Student

A fully funded studentship is available at the standard UKRI stipend rate. Additional industrial engagement through EDF Energy is included, and any eligible industrial stipend enhancements will be confirmed during the award process.

• Close collaboration with EDF Energy’s Chemistry and Corrosion R and D team.
• Opportunity for up to 3 months of work experience at Sizewell B, subject to security clearance.
• Access to advanced corrosion testing and characterisation facilities at the University of Manchester.
• Opportunities to present work at national and international conferences.
• Excellent career prospects in nuclear energy, corrosion science, plant chemistry, and materials engineering.

Candidate Requirements

Applications are welcomed from students with backgrounds in:

• Materials science
• Chemistry or chemical engineering
• Nuclear engineering
• Mechanical engineering
• Or related disciplines

A strong interest in experimental work, corrosion science, and materials characterisation is essential. Training will be provided in all specialist techniques, so motivated candidates from adjacent fields are also encouraged to apply.

This studentship is open to UK nationals / home fee students. EU students with settled or pre-settled status and international student can apply but their application eligibility will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Informal Enquiries

For further information or to discuss the project informally, please contact:

Professor Fabio Scenini
Email: fabio.scenini@manchester.ac.uk

Eligibility

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering related discipline.

This studentship is open to UK nationals / home fee students. EU students with settled or pre-settled status and international student can apply but their application eligibility will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Before you apply

We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisors for this project before you apply. Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project.

How to apply

Apply online through our website: https://uom.link/pgr-apply-2425

When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your supervisor, if you already having funding or if you wish to be considered for available funding through the university, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees.

Your application will not be processed without all of the required documents submitted at the time of application, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

After you have applied you will be asked to upload the following supporting documents:

• Final Transcript and certificates of all awarded university level qualifications
• Interim Transcript of any university level qualifications in progress
• CV
• Supporting statement: A one or two page statement outlining your motivation to pursue postgraduate research and why you want to undertake postgraduate research at Manchester, any relevant research or work experience, the key findings of your previous research experience, and techniques and skills you’ve developed. (This is mandatory for all applicants and the application will be put on hold without it).
• Contact details for two referees (please make sure that the contact email you provide is an official university/work email address as we may need to verify the reference)
• English Language certificate (if applicable)

If you have any questions about making an application, please contact our admissions team by emailing FSE.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk.

Funding Notes

This 4-year PhD studentship is open to Home (UK) applicants. The successful candidate will receive an annual tax-free stipend set at the UKRI rate (£20,780 for 2025/26; subject to annual uplift), and tuition fees will be paid. We expect the stipend to increase each year. EU students with settled or pre-settled status and international student can apply but their application eligibility will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

The start date is October 2026.

We recommend that you apply early as the advert may be removed before the deadline.