Long-term materials degradation and creep-fatigue behaviour on Type 316L(N) stainless steel for the next-generation sodium-cooled fast reactor

The Future Transport and Cities University Research Centre is inviting applications from suitably qualified, high calibre graduates for a prestigious PhD Research opportunity that is allied with a recent EPSRC Early Career Fellowship Award in Nuclear Fission, held by Dr Chen at Coventry University (CU).

Next-generation (Gen IV) nuclear systems aim at performance improvement, new applications of nuclear energy, and more sustainable approaches to nuclear waste management.

The key degradation mechanism for high-temperature nuclear reactors is the creep-fatigue of steel components. When structural materials (e.g. Type 316LN stainless steels) are used at high temperature, thermal ageing and inelastic deformation lead to changes in their microstructures. The creep and creep-fatigue performance of structural materials are limited by the degradation of microstructures.

There is an underlying industrial need to develop an improved understanding and predictive models of the evolution of the key microstructural features which control long-term creep performance and creep-fatigue interaction.

The aim of the research is to use an integrated experimental and modelling approach covering different length and time scales to understand and predict the long-term microstructural degradation and creep-fatigue deformation and damage process.

The PhD student will need to engage with all the project partners, including the Universities of Oxford and Manchester.

The successful PhD candidate will have full access to all high-end microstructure characterisation tools, mechanical testing facilities, and the UK’s word-leading neutron and synchrotron X-ray large-scale facilities.

This project also comes with financial support for attending international meetings/workshops, and enhanced research training through the Doctoral College.

Training and Development
The successful candidate will receive comprehensive research training including technical, personal and professional skills.
All researchers at Coventry University (from PhD to Professor) are part of the Doctoral College and Centre for Research Capability and Development, which provides support with high-quality training and career development activities.

Entry criteria for applicants to PhD
• A minimum of a 2:1 first degree in a relevant discipline/subject area with a minimum 60% mark in the project element or equivalent with a minimum 60% overall module average.
PLUS
the potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within a 3.5 years
• a minimum of English language proficiency (IELTS overall minimum score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component)
For further details see: https://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/research-students/making-an-application/

Successful applicants should meet the following:
• Familiar with mechanics of materials, preferably with some experience of analytical modelling
• Or familiar with the physical metallurgy of materials and have basic knowledge of microstructural characterisation
• Basic computer programming/coding skills
• Self-motivation

How to apply
To find out more about the project please contact Dr Bo Chen: [Email Address Removed] for an informal discussion.

To apply on line please visit: https://pgrplus.coventry.ac.uk/

All applications require full supporting documentation, a covering letter, plus a 2000-word supporting statement showing how the applicant’s expertise and interests are relevant to the project.

Eligibility: UK/EU/International graduates with the required entry requirements

Start date:
• UK/EU applicants -January or May 2019 commencement may be available subject to agreement
• International applicants- May 2019 commencement

Duration of study: Full-Time – between three and three and a half years fixed term