Fully-funded PhD Studentship in Modelling of oxidation of W and W-alloys in fusion reactor first walls

Oxidation of tungsten in accident scenarios is a concern for the operation of future fusion reactors. The formation of volatile WO3 in scenarios where W is exposed to air while hot (circa 1500K) due to radioactive decay could have severe implications for the safe operation of a reactor after accidents, particularly since the WO3, which sublimates readily could be radioactive due to being formed from unstable W isotopes (e.g. 187W and 185W). The volatility of WO3 will also be a problem during maintenance and decommissioning, where plasma-facing components will be removed from a fusion reactor, exposed to air, and not subject to the same cooling as during operation. An oxide that forms would pose a hazard to workers if it becomes dust. The aim of this project is to use computer modelling to develop understanding of how oxidation occurs in W and its alloys, including predictions, validated by experiment, of oxidation rates as a function of temperature that will be crucial to understand for plant operation and maintenance planning.

The project is funded as part of the UK Government’s Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) programme and will involve extensive collaboration with the Culham Centre for Fusion Energy (CCFE) in Oxfordshire as well as University of California, Los Angeles in the US.

This studentship is offered as part of the “Growing skills for Reliable Economic Energy from Nuclear” (GREEN) Centre for Doctoral Training, a collaboration between the Universities of Lancaster, Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds and Sheffield. GREEN aims to develop and deliver the research and skills required to address key challenges in the field of nuclear energy.

Application procedure
To apply, send a copy of your CV to [Email Address Removed]. Informal enquiries to this address are also very welcome.

Closing date for applications: 28/08/2020
Expected start date: October 2020