TUO
Predicting clad defect propagation of Zr-based alloys under oxidising conditions during dry fuel store
✓ Funded (Competition)
🎓 Energy Technologies
🎓 Materials Science
🎓 Mechanical Engineering
🎓 Nuclear Engineering
SEM
TEM
XRD
defect propagation
fuel cladding
nuclear materials
oxidation
zirconium alloys
This PhD investigates how defects in zirconium alloy cladding of spent nuclear fuel propagate under oxidising conditions during dry storage, using advanced materials characterisation techniques and industrial collaboration with EDF UK.
Project Description
This PhD is embedded within a uniquely collaborative environment that brings together two of the UK’s strongest nuclear materials teams, both based at the University of Manchester: the Zr Group and the Nuclear Fuel Centre of Excellence. Working across both groups, you will benefit from a combined expertise base spanning fuel materials, cladding behaviour, and advanced characterisation, offering a genuinely interdisciplinary research experience. Based at the Henry Royce Institute for Advanced Materials, you will collaborate closely with leading academic and industrial partners across the UK and internationally. The project is supported by EDF UK, a key organisation in the nuclear energy sector, providing industrial supervision, hands-on experience, and opportunities to attend conferences and technical meetings both within the UK and overseas.
The project focuses on understanding how small defects, such as pinholes or hairline cracks, in Zr alloy cladding propagate under oxidising conditions in dry fuel storage. You will study fuel oxidation (UO₂ to U₃O₈) and cladding response, and assess the influence of defect size, temperature, and irradiation-simulated hardening on crack initiation and propagation.
State-of-the-art facilities including SEM, TEM, and XRD at the Henry Royce Institute will be used. You will also have opportunities for placement at EDF Energy, international collaborations, and attending conferences.
Entry Requirements
Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering related discipline.
How to Apply
Apply online through the University of Manchester PhD portal: https://uom.link/pgr-apply-2425
. Include your motivation, academic background, relevant experience, and supporting documents such as transcripts, CV, supporting statement, and referee contact details. Contact the supervisors for guidance if needed.
. Include your motivation, academic background, relevant experience, and supporting documents such as transcripts, CV, supporting statement, and referee contact details. Contact the supervisors for guidance if needed.
Eligibility
UK/Home
EU
International
Supervisor Profile
DP
Dr P Frankel Prof Joel Turner Dr Mia Maric
The University of Manchester, Department of Materials
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