PhD Studentship: Development of New and Novel Methods for Mechanically Testing Materials in the Neutron Beam Line for Nuclear Applications

A funded 3.5-year 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 Mike Rogers.

About the project:
The mechanical behaviour of zirconium alloy components under neutron flux is critical in justifying the behaviour of light water reactors. Irradiation creep plays a significant part in through-life distortion of components and a better mechanistic understanding of the creep processes operating under neutron flux would allow for more accurate prediction of through-life behaviour and support longer operational periods or simplified design, increasing cost effectiveness in the nuclear industry.

The project will use the national nuclear user facilities (NNUF) particularly the accelerator-driven high flux neutron beam at the University of Birmingham (https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/activity/nuclear/about-us/facilities/high-flux-neutron-facility.aspx) and the advanced Materials Research Facilities of UKAEA (https://mrf.ukaea.uk/). This project will also have 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.

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 and/or Professor Martin Freer – m.freer@bham.ac.uk.

Funding notes:
A funded 3.5-year 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.

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