PhD Studentship: Understanding Microstructural Evolution of Nuclear Reactor Components During Rapid Thermal Excursions

Prof S. Lozano-Perez and Prof D. Armstrong

A potentially industrially-funded DPhil studentship; the studentship being dependent on signature by the sponsor of a contract that is currently under discussion. 

The mechanical behaviour of Zr-alloys, used as nuclear fuel cladding, under loss of coolant conditions is key for a safe operation of light water nuclear reactors. However, the synergistic effect of microstructure, stress, irradiation and thermal gradient is still not well understood. This project will focus on characterizing the microstructural evolution during rapid thermal excursions using a range of novel techniques, including in-situ TEM heating. Samples will be provided by EPRI-led Nuclear Fuel Industry Research (NFIR) group and frequent meetings with nuclear industry representatives are expected during the project. This project will make use of high-resolution characterization, including electron microscopy and micromechanical testing, in order to understand the microstructural changes that lead to failure. 

This potentially industrially-funded 3.5-year DPhil in Materials studentship will if the funding is confirmed provide course fees and a stipend of at least £19,728 per year (pro-rata to this amount for the final six months). The potential sponsor is EPRI (USA). Please note that this funded studentship will not be available unless and until EPRI (USA) sign the abovementioned contract.

Applicants with Home or Overseas fees status are eligible to apply. Information on fee status can be found at http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate/fees-and-funding/fees-and-other-charges. 

Candidates will be considered in the March 2023 admissions field which has an application deadline of 1 March 2023. In addition to new applications submitted in the March 2023 Admissions Field, candidates who applied in our November 2022 or January 2023 admissions fields (application deadlines respectively 11 November 2022 and 20 January 2023) and expressed in their application form an interest in research projects for which Professors Lozano-Perez or Armstrong are supervisors will be considered automatically for the present project.

For informal discussions about the project please contact Prof Lozano-Perez by email to sergio.lozano-perez@materials.ox.ac.uk.

General enquiries on how to apply can be made by e‑mail to graduate.studies@materials.ox.ac.uk.  

You must complete the standard Oxford University Application for Graduate Studies. 

Further information and an electronic copy of the application form can be found at https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate/applying-to-oxford.

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