Functionally graded components for nuclear applications

This four-year, CDT-route PhD project is part of a wider programme of research based at The University of Manchester and funded by Rolls-Royce plc. It aims at developing functionally graded components by hot isostatic pressing (HIP) for next generation of nuclear reactors. Currently, components are generally made from a single type of material, which often does not reflect the varying performance demands along a component.

A novel approach to create a functionally graded component is to hot isostatically press graded powder of different alloys/metals or by phasing the powder particle size in order to grade from a fine grained to a coarse grained microstructure.
An important factor that determines the performance of a material is its microstructure. Hence, the PhD project aims at developing an understanding of the relationship between the processing parameters applied during hot isostatic pressing and the resulting microstructures and mechanical properties. The understanding generated in this project will allow optimising the process in order to obtain the desired material performance.

The UK is set to build a new fleet of nuclear power stations in the next 2 decades with Rolls-Royce likely to be a major supplier of key components. For this reason, Rolls-Royce has established a Nuclear University Technology Centre at the University of Manchester that aims at providing the required underpinning research.

This PhD project, supervised by Prof. Michael Preuss in collaboration with Rolls-Royce, will take advantage of a range of state-of-the-art analytical tools including analytical electron microscopy, x-ray tomography and synchrotron x-ray diffraction in order to develop a better understanding of the effect of hot isostatic processing parameters on microstructure evolution.

Advanced Metallic Systems CDT
The Advanced Metallic Systems CDT is a 4 year programme hosted jointly by the universities of Manchester and Sheffield building on their complimentary expertise and international reputations in materials science and engineering research. In year 1, students from a range of disciplinary backgrounds undertake taught courses in core materials topics. PhD research begins after 6 months. Our transferable skills and personal development programme leads to a Diploma in Professional Skills. Visit our website for more information www.metallicsCDT.co.uk