Development of SiC Ceramic Matrix Composites for Fusion Application – Materials Strand Project

Supervisors: Ping Xiao & Philip Withers (University of Manchester) and James Wade-Zhu & Alex Leide (UKAEA),

SiC/SiC composites have been proposed for fusion application as blanket materials to achieve high-operation-temperature of up to ~1000oC (for high energy conversion efficiency) and superior low-activation of the blanket system, which has attractive and unique benefits compared with a metallic-based blanket. In addition, a dual-coolant helium/lead-lithium blanket concept was proposed, where flow channel inserts (FCIs) made of SiC/SiC composite are key elements serving as electrical and thermal insulation between a flowing liquid metal and steel structures. Technological challenge on SiC for this application include controlling appropriate thermal and electrical insulation properties under irradiation environment, and chemical compatibility with flowing liquid metal.

Ping Xiao’s research team in collaboration with Philip Withers have developed a novel polymer infiltration pyrolysis method coupled with chemical vapour deposition to manufacture SiC/SiC composites of complex shape which could be used for fusion application. The proposed PhD project intends to continue developing this novel manufacture process with study of both thermal and electrical properties of the SiC/SiC plus chemical compatibility with flowing liquid metals like PdLi. The project will involve irradiation study of SiC and examination of SiC using TEM, Raman spectroscopy and mechanical testing techniques. Modelling work is expected to carry out to validate experimental findings.

The student has opportunity to collaborate with UKAEA and interact with Drs Wade-Zhu and Leide from UKAEA.

As the project is a collaborative project with UKAEA, travel between Manchester and UKAEA at Oxfordshire would be required. In addition, international collaboration with a US partner is being explored.

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: Professor Ping Xiao (p.xiao@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