PhD Studentship: Understanding the Influence of Oxide Dispersion Strengthening on the Ductile-Brittle Transition Temperature of EUROFER97

Nuclear fusion systems are considered as a long term solution to ensure the supply of sustainable CO2-free energy. Fusion reactor structural materials will be subjected to unique and extreme environmental conditions which degrade properties such as ductility, strength, and creep resistance. It is crucial to completely qualify candidate materials to meet these conditions and ensure the safe, long running of any reactor. EUROFER97 (E97) is the leading candidate structural material for EU's fusion reactors; however, its susceptibility to thermal creep limits its upper operating temperature. Oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) E97 promises to increase the thermal creep resistance relative to E97, but early studies also reveal this ODS variant has a higher ductile-brittle transition temperature (DBTT), thus making it more susceptible to irradiation embrittlement.

This PhD project aims to use novel in situ tensile testing with both synchrotron X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy facilities, to understand the mechanism(s) driving the increase in DBTT for ODS E97. This work will inform the design of new ODS steels with lower DBTT temperatures. The project is supported by UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) / Culham Centre for Fusion Energy (CCFE) and co-supervised by Dr John Echols.

Applicants are expected to hold, or about to obtain, a minimum upper second class undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in metallurgy, materials science, physics, or a related engineering subject. To Apply please provide: (1) A curriculum vitae, (2) A Cover Letter summarising your research interests and experiences for the position, and (3) The contact details of two Referees to Dr Biao Cai (b.cai@bham.ac.uk)

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