PhD Studentship: Irradiated Sensitised Cladding: Mitigation of Intergranular Stress Corrosion Cracking from Laser Shock Peening

Coventry University is inviting applications from suitably qualified graduates for a fully-funded PhD studentship in the area of developing a mitigation methodology for localised IGSCC-led failure of cladding in collaboration with the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and the National Nuclear Laboratory.

Project Details

The spent fuel pins of Advanced Gas-Cooled Reactors (AGRs), after service life, are managed in interim storage in ponds which makes the sensitised cladding susceptible to intergranular corrosion stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC) and breaches. The cladding of fuel pins, in their service life, is subject to irradiation and operational loads causing susceptible microstructure prone to Intergranular Stress Corrosion Cracking (IGSCC). It is of vital importance to understand how clad mechanically responds to storage conditions, and how its behaviour is impacted by the degradation that forms in the storage conditions.

This project will look into the extent of chromium depletion and grain boundary attack in cladding due to combined thermal ageing and irradiation damage, residual stresses present in the cladding, corrosion rates of cladding in low and high pH aqueous environments, and how Laser Shock Peening (LSP) can be used as a mitigation approach for stopping possible crack initiation and arresting propagating cracks in the clad. This project will develop sound knowledge and understanding of the degradation phenomenon of cladding in storage conditions, environment assessment of storage sites, pond chemistry challenges, novel ways of demonstrating structural integrity, addressing mitigation, and enhancing safety standards.
The project is in collaboration between Coventry University, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) and National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL) and will require successful candidate to work closely with academics and industry researchers within these areas. There will be opportunities for secondment at the NNL Laboratories.

Additional requirements

• A first degree in maths, physics, mechanical or materials engineering or a closely related discipline is essential.
• A Masters-level degree or publication record in any of the above fields would be advantageous.
• Good understanding of engineering mechanics and mechanical behaviour of materials.
• Knowledge of irradiation damage, computer modelling for nuclear materials, or steel metallurgy would be advantageous.
• Potential to work and engage closely with both industrial and academic researchers and to complete the PhD within 3.5 years.

Funding Details

This is a fully-funded studentship available to start from 15^th September 2025 for 3.5 years, covering fees and a maintenance grant for UK/EU/International candidates.

Deadline for applications: 27^th May 2025

For further information about this project, contact
Dr. Muhammad Kashif Khan (Email: ac1291@coventry.ac.uk). Please include a CV with your enquiry.

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