Evaluation of Metallurgical Risk Factors in Post-test, Advanced 9%Cr Creep Strength Enhanced Ferritic (CSEF) Steel Creep Tests

During this PhD, you will work with international partners to develop techniques and investigate new methods for the analysis of advanced steels and their damage mechanisms during creep. You will make extensive use of advanced electron microscopy equipment within the Department of Materials and will become highly proficient in the operation of such tools to investigate damage mechanisms in advanced steels during creep exposure. In addition, this project offers the student chance to travel to the sponsor’s premises in USA and to present the work at conferences at appropriate points throughout the project.

Loughborough University is a top-ten rated university in England for research intensity (REF2014). In choosing Loughborough for your research, you’ll work alongside academics who are leaders in their field. You will benefit from comprehensive support and guidance from our Doctoral College, including tailored careers advice, to help you succeed in your research and future career.
Find out more: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/supporting-you/research/

Full Project Detail
Metallurgical risk factors in advanced 9%Cr creep strength enhanced ferritic (CSEF) steels are generally classified by the type of second phase particle. These second phase particles can include: intermetallic phases (e.g. Laves), nitrides (AlN or BN), borides, inclusions (complex oxides, MnS and complex Ca-rich) or coarse M23C6 carbides. These steels may contain deliberate additions of rare earth elements such as Nd or alternations to the B:N ratio to reduce the risk to the formation of deleterious phases like BN.

To fully appreciate the development of damage in these steels, it is necessary to link the pre- and post-test conditions, evaluate damage in the parent metal and the weld heat affected zone, develop procedures which provide consistent results and obtain statistically relevant data. Application of this methodology through a well-engineered approach will enable a clear link to be assessed between the various second phase particles to damage developed under well-controlled tests in these new steels which are not yet commercially available.

Entry requirements
Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in Materials science or engineering or a related subject. A relevant Master’s degree and/or experience in one or more of the following will be an advantage:

• Microstructural knowledge of advanced 9%Cr steels
• Experience of electron microscopy and related analytical tools

How to apply
All applications should be made online at http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/apply/research/. Under programme name, select Materials (full time) and select “No Centre” for the research centre.

Please quote reference number: MP-MJ-1820