PhD Studentship: Understanding Iron Transport and Flow Assisted Corrosion in PWR Secondary Systems

Application deadline: 30/05/2026
How to apply: https://uom.link/pgr-apply-2425 

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. The start date is October 2026.

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.

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.

To apply, and for further details,  please contact the main supervisor; Prof Fabio Scenini - fabio.scenini@manchester.ac.uk. 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.

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