EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Fusion Power - EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in the Science and Technology of Fusion Energy

Fusion CDT
Menu

Characterisation and Performance of Novel Irradiation Resistant Austenitic Stainless Steels for Fusion Applications – Materials Strand Project

Supervisors: Aneeqa Khan, Ed Pickering, Anastasia Vasileiou (University of Manchester) & Changheui Jang (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology).

Structural components in a fusion reactor must withstand the diverse range of demands placed on them by the operating environment, including 14 MeV neutron irradiation, He exposure and high temperatures. Due to poor activation and swelling issues with traditional austenitic stainless steels such as 316 LSS, there has been a strong focus on developing reduced activation, ferritic, martensitic (RAFM) steels because of their reduced activation and swelling resistance. However, RAFM steels have several drawbacks, such as increased embrittlement, low corrosion resistance and challenges in large scale fabrication. This project therefore considers whether the development of a lower activation, swelling resistant austenitic stainless steel is feasible for use in a fusion reactor breeder blanket.

The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology has developed a series of austenitic stainless steels, ‘ARES’. This PhD project will use samples of these ARES steels in order to assess their viability for use in a future fusion reactor. This will involve carrying out ion irradiation studies at the University of Manchester, followed by transmission electron microscopy to determine the response of the materials to reactor relevant conditions. Through this refinement of alloy composition will be determined. 

To summarise the objectives of the project:

  • To characterise novel ARES austenitic stainless steels in the as-received condition
  • To perform ion irradiation studies of ARES steels
  • Utilise transmission electron microscopy to ascertain the damage mechanisms
  • Determine the feasibility of usage of ARES steels for future fusion reactors and suggest an optimum composition.

The project will be based at the University of Manchester. It will be supervised by Dr. Aneeqa Khan, Dr. Anastasia Vasileiou and Dr Ed Pickering at UoM and Professor Changheui Jang at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST).

The project is based in Manchester but will involve collaboration with KAIST.

During the first six months of the PhD, materials strand students will typically travel to attend taught modules at all six of the Fusion CDT partner universities.

This project is offered by University of Manchester. For further information please contact: Aneeqa Khan Aneeqa.khan@manchester.ac.uk

This project may be compatible with part time study, please contact the project supervisors if you are interested in exploring this.

For details on how to apply, please visit: Apply