ITER

Mechanical Properties of Materials for Fusion Power Plants

Combined Modelling and Experimental Project

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Location: Oxford University Materials Department

Post type: Research student

Duration: 3 years, starting October 2004 or later

Funding: Funded by EPSRC

Area: Dislocation dynamics modelling of flow and fracture

Supervisor: Steve Roberts

Application deadline: The post is now filled.

Brief Description of Project

This modelling project will involve close collaboration with the various other members of the modelling project, especially the molecular dynamics group at Liverpool and the hardening theory group at Cambridge. The researcher appointed will work closely with a postdoctoral researcher and with researchers at Oxford performing parallel experimental studies.

The 2D codes already developed at Oxford (abstracts) will be used to model fracture of V, W and Fe-Cr. The evolution of the crack-tip plastic zone during a loading cycle will be simulated over a range of temperatures, calculating the influence of the dislocations on local crack tip stress intensity via back stresses ('shielding') and blunting. At first, experimentally-derived or 'best-guess' dislocation mobility laws will be used; these will be replaced with MD-derived ones when these become available.

In collaboration with the postdoctoral researcher, results from 3D codes will compared with those of the 2D codes. Both types of code will then be extended to include flow behaviour in defect-containing material, with the defects either being introduced as arrays of discrete obstacles, or via simple 'broad brush' flow laws derived earlier in the project by DD and/or analytical methods.

Selection Criteria

Applicants should have:

  1. A good first degree in materials, or a related physical science subject.
  2. Potential to perform high-quality research, especially in the following areas:
  3. Good communication skills in English. Ability to write in English at a suitable standard for the preparation of publications.
  4. Ability to meet agreed deadlines.
  5. Ability to work effectively in a team, and interact effectively with collaborators.
  6. Willingness and ability to travel in order to work with collaborators.

Applications

Read the admissions criteria in the general information about research studentships at Oxford University Materials Department.

If you are from overseas (non-UK), please consult with the Graduate Studies secretary regarding the available funding for student fees for the project.

Make your application to the Graduate Studies secretary indicating the research projects that are of particular interest to you. Include:

Address:
Graduate Studies Secretary,
Department of Materials,
University of Oxford,
Parks Road,
Oxford,
OX1 3PH.

Tel: 01865 283100

Fax: 01865 273789

Email: graduate.studies@materials.ox.ac.uk

Further information

Overall project description

For informal discussion of the project contact Steve Roberts

Studentships in Materials at Oxford