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Fusion Relevant Irradiation Effects on Reduced Activation Ferritic Martensitic Steels – Materials Strand Project

Supervisors: Aneeqa Khan, Ed Pickering & Anastasia Vasileiou (University of Manchester) & Frances Livera (UKAEA).

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. Currently the UK Atomic Enery Authority (UKAEA) is running the NEURONE (NEUtron iRradiatiOn of advaNced stEels) programme to develop and deliver an industrially scalable fusion-grade advanced steel capable of operating at 650°C in a fusion breeder-blanket environment. As part of this reduced activation, ferritic, martensitic (RAFM) steels are being investigated.

As part of the NEURONE programme, joining trials of novel RAFM steels are being conducted. It is important to develop an understanding of the response of these novel joins to realistic fusion reactor conditions. A key concern will be the response to fusion relevant irradiation damge. This project will involve carrying out ion irradiation studies at the University of Manchester, followed by characterisation of the welds using techniques such as electron microscopy and nano-hardness testing. This will help to identify the most irradiation resistant materials and joining techniques and will inform choices for the NEURONE project.

To summarise the objectives of the project: 

  • Experimental characterisation of as-received RAFM joins
  • To perform ion irradiation studies of the joins. 
  • Carry out experimental characterisations post irradiation
  • Identify most promising materials and joining techniques.

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 Dr Frances Livera at UKAEA.

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

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