Microstructural Characterisation of thermally aged and creep-fatigued steels

Department: Engineering
Supervisors: Prof. Bo Chen and Prof. Hongbiao Dong

Eligibility: UK/EU/International graduates with the required entry requirements

Project Description
3.5 Years PhD Studentship available to start as soon as possible.

The key degradation mechanisms for the high-temperature nuclear reactors is the creep fatigue of steel components. When structural materials (e.g. Type 316LN stainless steels) are used at high temperature, thermal ageing and inelastic deformation lead to changes in their microstructures [1]. The creep and creep-fatigue performance of structural materials are limited by the degradation of microstructures. The underlying need is to develop improved understanding and predictive models of the evolution of the key microstructural features which control long-term creep performance and creep-fatigue interaction.

The aim of this PhD work is to use advanced materials characterisation techniques covering different length-scales to understand microstructural degradation as a result of high-temperature service for creep-resistant steels.

You will need to engage with all the project partners that particularly include Universities of Oxford and Manchester. The PhD candidates will have full access to all high-end microstructure characterisation facilities, mechanical testing facilities, and the UK’s word-leading neutron and synchrotron X-ray large-scale facilities. This project also comes with financial supports for attending international meetings/workshops.

Entry requirements
Applicants are required to hold/or expect to obtain a UK Bachelor Degree with 2:1 or better, or overseas equivalent, in materials, mechanical engineering or relevant subject area.

The University of Leicester English language requirements apply where applicable: https://le.ac.uk/study/research-degrees/entry-reqs/eng-lang-reqs

In addition, successful applicants should meet the following
• Familiar with mechanics of materials, preferably with some experience of analytical materials modelling
• Or familiar with the physical metallurgy of materials and have basic knowledge of microstructural characterisation
• A basic computer programming/coding skill

How to apply
You should submit your application using our online application system: https://www2.le.ac.uk/research-degrees/phd/applyphd

Apply for Full Time Campus Based / Engineering Research

In the funding section of the application please indicate you wish to be considered for
Prof Bo Chen’s Studentship

In the proposal section please provide the name of the supervisor and project title. You do not need to submit a research proposal but you do need to provide a personal statement detailing why you what to be considered for the PhD.

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