Dr Aravind Vijayaraghavan
No more applications being accepted
Competition Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)
About the Project
Nuclear fission technology critically relies on continuously monitoring the process environment by measuring parameters such as pressure and temperature. 2D materials have shown great potential for sensing in harsh environments due to their exceptional strength, high temperature stability and immunity to ionising radiation. In this project, we will develop sensors based on graphene and other related 2-dimensional materials that would function under the extreme operating conditions that are faced in nuclear fission technology. Pressure sensors are used in a nuclear reactor in various locations - pumps, protection systems, reactor core, fluid levels. The sensors will be engineered based on the principles of nano-electro-mechanical devices, or NEMS. The student will design, model, fabricate and test 2D material NEMS devices as well as construct new testing equipment to simulate the harsh environment of the nuclear fission process. The fabrication of devices will involve extensive use of the National Graphene Institute and its state-of-the art clean-room facilities. The student will require experience in experimental research with a focus on electronic devices and sensors. A background in graphene and 2D materials is preferred but not essential. A student undertaking this PhD project will acquire expertise in various monitoring systems in nuclear reactors, how such systems are linked to the operation and safety of the reactor, and in constructing robust sensor systems to operate under the extremes of pressure, temperature and radiation that are characteristic of nuclear fission reactors.
Funding Notes
Funding covers tuition fees and annual maintenance payments of at least the Research Council minimum (currently £14,553) for eligible UK and EU applicants. EU nationals must have lived in the UK for 3 years prior to the start of the programme to be eligible for a full award (fees and stipend). Other EU nationals may be eligible for a fees-only award.
Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, a First class/2.1 degree in Materials Science, Chemistry or other relevant subject.
References
For more information – Vijayaraghavan’s Nanofunctional Materials Group – www.nanofunc.com