ITER

Mechanical Properties of Materials for Fusion Power Plants

Combined Modelling and Experimental Project

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Location: Cambridge University Department of Metallurgy and Materials

Post type: Research student

Duration: 3 years, starting October 2005

Funding: Funded by EPSRC

Area: Modelling of microstructural development and hardening

Supervisor: Harry Bhadeshia

Application deadline: Post open - applications may be made

Brief Description of Project

Ferritic-martensitic steels are known to perform well under irradiation, with a high resistance to radiation-induced swelling. The alloys are consequently candidate structural-materials for the international fusion reactor programmes. One of the difficulties with these steels based on body-centred cubic iron is that their toughness can change abruptly with temperature. There is a ductile-brittle transition in which the iron cleaves below a {\it transition temperature} and fails in a ductile manner above that temperature.

The aim of this component of the project is to model the ductile-brittle transition by considering the hardening induced by irradiation and due to changes in microstructure during the course of service at elevated temperatures. The work will require inputs from the defect density and potency results which emerge from the other partners. For this reason, the Ph.D. project will not start until the 1st of October 2005.

See www.msm.cam.ac.uk/phase-trans.

Applicants should have:

  1. A good first degree in materials, or a related physical science subject.
  2. A good knowledge of the physical metallurgy of steels.
  3. Ability and potential in modelling research, in the field of theory of thermodynamics and kinetics as a means to microstructure and property calculations.
  4. Good communication skills in English. Ability to write in English at a suitable standard for the preparation of publications.
  5. Ability to meet agreed deadlines.
  6. Ability to work effectively in a team, and interact effectively with collaborators.
  7. Willingness and ability to travel in order to work with collaborators.

Further information

Overall project description

For informal discussion of the project contact Harry Bhadeshia

Studentships in Materials at Cambridge