(SATURN CDT) Integrity assessment of superconducting fusion magnet materials in realistic multi-physics environments

The sustained electromagnetic performance and long-term reliability of superconducting magnets are fundamentally governed by the coupled interaction of superconducting materials, joints, stabilisers, and structural supports under combined mechanical, thermal, and electromagnetic loading. In high-field fusion magnets, these interactions become particularly severe due to the presence of large Lorentz forces, repeated thermal cycling between room temperature and cryogenic operation (typically 77–10 K), and transient electromagnetic events during ramping, plasma operations, and fault conditions. Together, these effects generate complex, evolving stress states that can degrade critical current, increase joint resistance, and ultimately compromise magnet performance and operational lifetime. Addressing these challenges requires an electro-mechanically coupled qualification approach in which multi-physics behaviour is treated as a core design and validation requirement rather than as independent performance margins. This PhD project aims to establish a comprehensive multi-physics framework that directly correlates mechanical damage and electrical degradation in superconducting magnet materials, joints, and sub-components relevant to next-generation fusion systems. Modern fusion magnets rely on complex, heterogeneous material stacks rather than monolithic conductors. Typical architectures include REBCO superconducting tapes comprising superconducting layers, buffer layers, and metallic substrates, combined with copper stabilisers, soldered or diffusion-bonded joints, and external structural supports such as stainless steel or high-strength alloys. While electrical performance is often characterised in isolation, growing evidence shows that mechanical loading plays a decisive role in determining superconducting performance and reliability. The central hypothesis of this project is that mechanical damage and electrical degradation in superconducting magnet materials, joints, and sub-components are quantitatively correlated and can be systematically characterised through integrated cryo-mechanical and cryo-electrical testing. By establishing physics-based links between stress, temperature, magnetic field, and electrical performance, it is possible to define reliable operating envelopes and qualification criteria that directly reflect the true multi-physics behaviour of superconducting magnet systems.

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.

Complete the SATURN CDT Enquiry Form to express interest. Contact Dr M Zhang at min.zhang@strath.ac.uk for informal enquiries. Further instructions via SATURN CDT application portal.