Assessing stored energy due to radiation effects in nuclear waste forms

Applications are invited for a graduate to join the research group of Dr. Maulik Patel (Department of Mechanical, Materials and Aerospace, University of Liverpool) in a project in collaboration with Dr. Frédéric Blanc (Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool) and Dr. Laura Leay (Dalton Cumbrian Facility (DCF), University of Manchester) for a 4 Year PhD studentship. The studentship is funded through the Growing skills for Reliable Economic Energy from Nuclear (GREEN)-Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) and the National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL).

Irradiation-induced defects significantly increases the internal energy (known also as the Wigner effect and Szilard complication), the spontaneous release of which may result in mechanical failure of reactor components (e.g. Windscale fire in Sellafield). Current vitreous waste forms that are used to immobilise nuclear waste will be affected by radiation from various decay processes of fission products. Thus, one can expect significant chemical and structural modifications due to radiation and concomitant increase in the internal energy. Unlike crystalline systems, in amorphous waste forms that are already disordered systems, the definition of damage is ambiguous and measuring the internal energy due to radiation effects may provide a new metric to quantify and predict the performance of nuclear waste forms over a significantly long period of immobilisation (>1000 years).

This PhD position will focus on measuring and quantifying the stored energy in terms of specific heat due to long term radiation (high energy electron and gamma) exposure in amorphous glass and glass-ceramics specifically developed for UK’s nuclear waste streams. These thermodynamic changes will be correlated with atomic level structural modifications probed by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Raman Spectroscopy, Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) and macroscopic mechanical properties like fracture toughness, swelling, initiation and propagation of cracks. The results obtained will provide a method to predict the long-term evolution of waste forms in extreme environments.

This studentship will allow a highly motivated candidate to participate in understanding of radiation damage and have a unique research profile across materials chemistry, nuclear engineering and NMR spectroscopy. The successful candidate will (1) have access to laboratory space needed for any synthesis activity and measurements, (2) be able to perform experiments in state-of-the-art facilities (eg. irradiation facilities in DCF, very high field NMR infrastructures), (3) have a wide range of opportunities to travel and access world-leading large-scale research facilities (eg. ultra-high field and ultra-high temperature NMR instrumentation elsewhere in the UK and overseas) and (4) be able to expand his/her research vision and interest by attending international conferences.

The student will be part of the EPSRC-CDT in Nuclear Energy – GREEN and will be based in the Department of Mechanical, Materials and Aerospace, Department of Chemistry and newly-opened Materials Innovation Factory (MIF) at the University of Liverpool. As part of the GREEN-CDT, the student will attend taught courses in various subject of nuclear technology followed by subject specific training leading to research activities. The MIF, funded via the UK Research Partnerships and Investment Fund (UK RPIF), is a flagship strategic initiative focussing initially on £68m collaboration between the University of Liverpool and Unilever Plc. The joint aim is to develop the leading materials chemistry research hub in the UK for use by universities and industry. This facility is unique in Europe and will greatly reduce new product and knowledge discovery times to help support the UK’s international competitiveness. In the 2014 Research Excellence Framework assessment of all academic research activity in the UK, the Department of Chemistry was ranked second in Chemistry in the UK and first for published outputs. In addition to the quality of the research and its international recognition, this assessment also affirms the leading research environment in Liverpool (including the facilities referred to above) and the strong research income performance.

The successful candidate should have, or expect to have, at least a 2:1 degree or equivalent in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, Nuclear Engineering or closely related subject. The candidate should be highly motivated, curious, have competent English communication skills, computer skills and be able to work both as part of a team and independently. Project experience in nuclear waste immobilisation or EPR or NMR spectroscopy would be an advantage but is not a prerequisite.

Applications should include a cover letter including the applicant motivation in this PhD studentship, a full CV, and the contact details of two academic referees and should be sent by email to Dr. Maulik Patel ([Email Address Removed]) indicating “PhD studentship – GREEN CDT” in the subject line.