PhD Studentship: Determining the Oxidation Creep Interaction in Uncoated and Coated Steels using a Novel Torque-Load Test Method

This exciting opportunity is based within the EPSRC's Centre for Doctoral Training in DigitalMetal in the Faculty of Engineering, which conducts research into cutting-edge technologies and AI to revolutionise metals manufacturing.

Vision

We are seeking a PhD student who is motivated and capable of driving a largely experimental project to develop new techniques and knowledge. This project involves the development of a novel torsion test method to measure how oxidation and creep may interact at high temperatures or long times, thereby aiding the safe design, operation and lifing of plant designed for long-term high-temperature service in oxidizing conditions. Moreover, the method will be used to characterise the beneficial effects of coatings aimed at increasing component lifetimes; and in future could be developed to study the effect of more damaging surface phenomena.

Motivation

The maximum temperature that metallic materials may be used in power generation is generally determined by their creep strength and it is well accepted that materials subject to air, steam, combustion products etc. will also suffer from oxidation and corrosion damage, which in many cases causes metal wastage and hence increased stresses, leading to faster creep rates / shorter lives. Oxidation forms fastest on newly created fresh surfaces, for example as the specimen tapers and begins to neck. This is especially true when the creep strain is sufficient to cause the oxide to crack, or if the oxide spalls off altogether.

Power generation has always required long-term life of key components including tubes and pipework containing steam and more recently the requirement of 500kh lifetimes has been mooted for the new generation of nuclear plant, essential to combat climate change. Reliable declarations of such lifetimes can only be made if the combined effects of surface/environment interactions are understood and calculable.

Aim

At present there is no standard test method to understand the synergy between oxidation and creep. In standard creep tests a constant uniaxial tensile load is applied to a round section sample which results in the sample thinning as it is extended, and which could be due to any one or more of several mechanisms, including oxidation, complicating the interpretation of data. Therefore, a test method in which creep strain is developed without changing the cross-sectional area, is needed.

This PhD proposal seeks to concentrate on the formation of oxide scale and the behaviour of coatings and their consequence on creep properties. It will develop novel methods in which creep strain is applied without local thinning caused by creep and instead seeks to characterise the behaviour of the oxide layer and any coating.

Eligibility and funding

This position is open to UK/home students who have at least an equivalent of a UK 2.1 class degree in materials/mechanical/manufacturing/physics or any related discipline.

PhD dates: October-2026–September-2030.

Main University Supervisor: Dr Chris Hyde

Secondary University Supervisor: Prof. Tanvir Hussain

Industrial Supervisor (if applicable): Dr Chris Bullough

Industry Sponsor Information

The UK High Temperature Power Plant Forum brings together industry, academia, and researchers to focus on the structural integrity issues of materials used in high-temperature power plant applications.

How to apply

To apply, please email your CV and supporting statement to Chris Hyde at christopher.hyde@nottingham.ac.uk

Application deadline: 31-May-2026

Interview date: June-2026

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