Mechanical engineering, fusion, digital: Stochastic failure prediction – A stochastic finite element approach

Funding Providers: FOSTER, UKAEA 

Subject Areas:  Mechanical engineering, fusion, digital 

Project Start Date: October 2026 **

** In exceptional circumstances, and subject to the discretion of the University and/or the relevant funding body, a deferral of offer may be granted to the next available enrolment period. Such deferral will typically not exceed a duration of three calendar months from the originally stipulated commencement date. Please note that only one deferral may be considered, and any such deferral is not guaranteed. 

Supervisors: 

• Professor P. Nithiarasu 

• Dr Adesola Ademiloye  

• Wiera Bielajewa (UKAEA)  

Aligned programme of study: Mechanical Engineering, PhD 

Mode of study: Full time 

Place of study: Swansea University (Bay Campus) 

Project description:  

This project addresses a fundamental question concerning material failure under neutron loading in fusion energy components, particularly within the first layer of the breeder blanket. Previous work at Swansea has developed a multiscale platform that combines Monte Carlo simulation of thermal loading with scenarios of material transformation under realistic fusion-specific neutron irradiation.  

The proposed project advances this work by incorporating the effects of stochastic variability in neutron loading, blanket geometry, and microstructural material evolution resulting from irradiation. These factors are critical for accurately predicting long-term material performance in fusion environments.  

The research will also integrate emerging experimental data from future fusion-relevant facilities to validate the proposed stochastic modelling framework. By capturing uncertainty and variability more rigorously, the project aims to significantly improve the predictive accuracy of models used to assess structural integrity and lifetime of fusion blanket materials.

Applications may be submitted in Welsh and any application submitted in Welsh will be treated no less favourably than an application submitted in English. Please refer to the University’s Welsh Language Policy on Awarding Grants. Please see our website for more information on the selection process.