Demonstration of novel high temperature zirconium alloys under irradiation for generation-IV fission

A 3.5-year UK/EU PhD studentship is available in the group of Dr Sandy Knowles within the School of Metallurgy and Materials at the University of Birmingham, with a stipend of at least £18,622 per year (industrial top up of ~£2000 expected). This project is linked to National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL), who will provide industrial steer and co-supervision.

The research group investigates new alloys for extreme environments from fusion/fission reactors to aerospace gas turbines and concentrated solar power. This involves the design of fundamentally new alloys by computational methods; production through arc melting, powder metallurgy or additive manufacturing; characterisation using advanced electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction techniques; mechanical testing using macro/micro-mechanical methods and failure investigation; and environmental behaviour under oxidation/corrosion and irradiation damage.

This project will extend the development of novel Zr alloys with 500-800°C capability, for both next-generation fission and fusion communities. This is part on an on-going research programme between UoB, NNL and UKAEA.

Novel Zr alloys with improved capability have been demonstrated by alloying to promote nano-scale intermetallic reinforcing phases, which confer particle strengthening up to high temperatures as well as grain boundary pinning, for creep resistance. Additions of Si, Al and Cr additions promote intermetallics for improved strength, but may also be tuned to control the corrosion and oxidation resistance in the event of a loss of coolant/vacuum accident. In a 2020-24 NNL-UoB PhD these novel alloys have demonstrated to have attractive high temperature strength (~400 MPa @ 600°C) and creep behaviour (orders of magnitude better than Zr-4), taking inspiration from titanium metallurgy. However, key work remains to demonstrate: (1) Alloy development to further enhance the mechanical performance, whilst balancing their environmental resistance – extending to molten salt/metals, (2) Irradiation damage resistance, which would be evaluated using ions / protons (inc UoB cyclotron) to evaluate irradiation hardening, any embrittlement and swelling resistance – as well as the mechanisms of action.

The candidate should have a 1st/2:1 class Undergraduate / Masters degree in Materials Science, Nuclear Engineering, or related discipline. A background in characterisation and/or mechanical testing would be advantageous.

Applications are now open, please provide:

(1) A cover letter summarising your research interests and suitability for the position,

(2) The contact details of two people able to provide a reference letter,

(3) A curriculum vitae.

Please send your full application to Dr Sandy Knowles a.j.knowles[at]bham.ac.uk