Spent fuel from our Advanced Gas-cooled Reactors (AGR) is stored in pH-moderated water ponds. Corrosion-related failures of stainless steel fuel cladding have been reported in the past, but an understanding of the underlying mechanism is still at large, due the complicated nature of replicating real test scenarios and environments.
This PhD project is centred on developing novel, innovative methods and associated characterisation capabilities (both experimental & theoretical via simulations) for understanding the performance of AGR fuel cladding, when subjected to the effects of strain and changes in exposure environment, such as pH, temperature and electro-chemical potential. The overarching goal here is to provide a new methodology to increase confidence in assessing AGR fuel cladding performance, that can then further be transferred to hot cell working conditions. This project is centred on developing novel thoughts and innovative approaches for the design, development, and implementation of in-situ corrosion and stress corrosion testing of AGR fuel cladding. Raman spectroscopy, advanced imaging and 3D point cloud data will be correlated as a tool for fuel cladding inspection. Finite Element (FE) modelling and simulation will be carried out to support methodology development, with the student receiving training in materials engineering, physics, chemistry, data treatment, with a focus on problem solving in corrosion science & engineering.
The project is based at the University of Manchester in the Department of Materials – Metallurgy & Corrosion. The Ph.D. student will
be embedded in a dynamic research environment located in the new Engineering building at Manchester, with a combined academic/industry supervisory team (Dr Ron Clark / NNL). The focus here is the implementation of innovative ideas to address complex challenges. The student will have the opportunity to spend a few months embedded in NNL’s Workington Laboratory (Cumbria) as part of the Centre for Innovative Nuclear Decommissioning (CINDe). This opportunity provides access to a unique technical set-up to mimic handling materials under hot cell conditions. Studying within the CINDe: This is a partnership between the Universities of Manchester, Liverpool, Lancaster and Cumbria with Sellafield Ltd and the National Nuclear Laboratory. Its mission is to innovate and deliver future engineering leaders, supporting the UK’s nuclear decommissioning programme in west Cumbria. The centre is located at the National Nuclear Laboratory’s state-of-the-art facilities
in Workington, Cumbria, which is on the edge of the Lake District National Park. The nature of this PhD research programme means that we must comply with the Government’s protective security procedures. This means that all students will be subject to a base line standard security check.
The duration of the PhD is 3.5 year. The start date is 1st October. Applicants can start from Monday 18th October if they wish to attend the Welcome Week but the first stipend payment will need to last until November.
Eligibility:
Applicants should have at least a 2.1 UK honours degree, or equivalent, in a relevant subject such as physics, natural sciences, mechanical engineering, nuclear engineering, materials science, or a related discipline. At the University of Manchester, we pride ourselves on our commitment to fairness, inclusion and respect in everything we do. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and identities, and encourage you to bring your whole self to work and study. We will ensure that your application is given full consideration without regard to your race, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, nationality, disability, age, marital or pregnancy status, or socioeconomic background. All PhD places will be awarded on the basis of merit.
Contact for further Information
Prof. Dirk Engelberg – [Email Address Removed]
Before you apply
We strongly recommend that you contact the lead supervisor for this project before you apply.
How to apply
To be considered for this project you’ll need to complete a formal application through our online application portal.
When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your supervisor, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees.
Your application will not be processed without all of the required documents submitted at the time of application, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
If you have any questions about making an application, please contact our admissions team by emailing [Email Address Removed].
Equality, diversity and inclusion
Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact.
We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.
We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder).