Systems approach to safety of Advanced Gas -Cooled Reactor (AGR) nuclear power plant fleet with EDF Energy

EDF Energy is seeking to sponsor a high caliber graduate as a researcher on the EngD in Systems programme. EDF Energy, the UK’s largest generator of electricity, has a requirement for systems-based research to develop techniques to help maintain the safety of their Advanced Gas-cooled Reactor (AGR) nuclear power plant fleet which operate at high temperature. It wishes to optimise its operational performance of high temperature plant to support continued safe operation. As well as being part of the Industrial Doctorate Centre (IDC) in Systems, the Research Engineer will be a member of the Systems Performance Centre (SPC) - a Research Alliance between the University of Bristol and EDF Energy.

The research will apply a systems approach in developing methodologies enabling the prediction and management of plant behaviour under complex operational load histories and multiple interacting degradation mechanisms. These applicable degradation mechanisms in AGR power plants include creep, fatigue, creep-fatigue, carburisation, sensitisation, corrosion and stress corrosion cracking.

While traditionally engineering assessments have considered these mechanisms independently and deterministically, this research endeavours to build a probabilistic understanding of the mechanisms and their interactions. This should enable a better understanding of structural integrity degradation and more accurate predictions of structural system behaviour.

The Systems EngD is a full-time four-year postgraduate research programme, offering the experience of rigorous, leading-edge research within a business context. The EngD researcher will spend about 75% of his/her time based at EDF Energy in Gloucester, and the remaining time at the Centre on taught courses covering Systems and business-related topics. The researcher will be registered as a full time post graduate student at the University of Bristol.

Candidate requirements:
Essential:
Candidates should have a minimum of an upper second (2.1) class honours degree (or equivalent) in a numerate subject (e.g. mathematics, engineering, physics). A Candidate will need to demonstrate past numerate experience and rigor.

Desirable:
Industrial experience would be considered an asset but mostly because it would bring people skills and experience to the post.

Personal attributes:
• The ability to lead a substantial technical project.
• Good communicator who is able to pass on complex analytical ideas
• Structured thinking and clear and coherent logical processes

Full description http://www.bristol.ac.uk/eng-systems-centre/idc/vacancies/edf-energy-agr.html