Engineering Doctorate (EngD) in Nuclear Engineering - Predicting microstructure-property changes during service life

School of Materials

University of Manchester

Stainless steels are used widely within a range of industries for their corrosion resistance and high temperature properties. However, during use at high temperatures for extended periods of time, the microstructure evolves with a consequent influence on the mechanical and fracture properties. This evolution of properties can limit the service life of components in high temperature plant such as Boilers used in the generation of nuclear power. Extending the service life of these components, an important element of maintaining a balanced energy mix for the UK, is critically dependent on the ability to understand, simulate and predict the microstructure-property relations during service life.

This Engineering Doctorate project will be based at British Energy (Gloucester) and will develop new experimental approaches and modelling techniques to study the effect of long periods at high temperature on the microstructure as well as the flow and fracture properties of austenitic stainless steels. The project will use advanced materials modelling approaches to simulate the high temperature damage that develops during the service life of components, and will devise experimental approaches to calibrate and validate the modelling approaches.

The Engineering Doctorate (EngD) is a post-graduate research degree that combines the academic strengths of a conventional PhD with the practical benefits of linking the research to the specific needs of a sponsoring company . One of the key features of the EngD is that the research project is sponsored by and undertaken within a sponsoring company, as opposed to within a university. The Research Engineer (RE) typically spends up to 75% of their time based in the sponsoring company. Taught courses in management, in relevant technical areas and in personal development constitute an additional and equally important part of the degree. Completed over four years, the RE receives a standard EPSRC doctoral stipend enhanced by a contribution from the sponsoring company.

The primary aim of the Nuclear EngD programme is to develop outstanding young REs through intensive, broadly based training in collaboration with companies so that they are equipped to take up senior roles within the nuclear industry. In addition to obtaining a high quality qualification, REs also gain experience of working in an industrial research and development environment.