Understanding the non-Arrhenius stress corrosion cracking behaviour of structural materials in high temperature water

Saturn_Nuclear_CDT

We offer an exciting PhD opportunity in collaboration with Rolls-Royce, understanding the stress corrosion cracking (SCC) behaviour of structural materials in nuclear plants. The PhD studentship comes with a competitive stipend and interaction with industry. Join us for impactful research at the nexus of academia and industry.

Introduction:

Stress corrosion cracking poses a significant challenge in light water reactors, particularly concerning Nickel-Based Alloys (NBAs) and austenitic stainless steels (SS). Recent research hints at the possibility of non-Arrhenius SCC behaviour under specific conditions in high-temperature water, raising questions about conventional testing methodologies and the extrapolation of results to operational scenarios.

Project Overview:

This doctoral research aims to investigate the potential for non-Arrhenius SCC behaviour in Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) structural materials when exposed to representative in-service conditions. It will explore the interplay between microstructural features and environmental factors contributing to SCC. SCC testing will be conducted using dedicated high-temperature, high-pressure facilities within the Royce Institute to simulate nuclear environment conditions. The project will also benefit from access to state-of-the-art analytical techniques for electron microscopy. The findings of this research will provide valuable insights into the behaviour of PWR structural materials under SCC conditions, informing future testing protocols and enhancing our understanding of SCC mechanisms. The outcomes will be instrumental in developing predictive models for SCC behaviour in service, ultimately contributing to improved safety and reliability in nuclear power applications.

Benefit:

This PhD studentship offers a competitive industrial stipend uplift from the EPSRC base rate. The supervisory team, consisting of two academics along with industrial supervisors, will facilitate the translation of research into an industrial context. Rolls-Royce can also provide an internship opportunity during the PhD, offering a broader perspective on the research. The studentship will be run as part of the SATURN Centre for Doctoral Training and thus you will get to interact with a large cohort of students who are studying nuclear science and engineering at six leading UK universities. 

Eligibility

While a background in materials science, metallurgy, engineering degrees or a related discipline is preferred, there are training possibilities in the early stages of the project for candidates with relevant experience in other fields. Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering related discipline

We seek individuals keen on experimental work and willing to learn new analytical techniques.

This project is open to UK nationals, home students and international students that don't require ATAS clearance.

Before you apply

We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisor(s) for this project before you apply. For informal enquiries, please contact Professor Fabio Scenini at Fabio.Scenini@manchester.ac.uk

How to apply

• Please complete the enquiry form to express your interest. 
• We strongly recommend you contact the project supervisor after completing the form to speak to them about your suitability for the project. You can find their details on the project listing. 
• If your qualifications meet our standard entry requirements, the CDT Admissions Team will send your enquiry form and CV to the named project supervisor. 

Our application process can also be found on our website: Apply | EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Skills And Training Underpinning a Renaissance in Nuclear | The University of Manchester. If you have any questions, please contact SATURN@manchester.ac.uk 

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).