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

Area: Kinetic Monte Carlo modelling of mesoscale evolution of bcc metals

Supervisor: Sergei Dudarev, Ralf Drautz and Steve Roberts

Application deadline: Post open, applications may be made

Brief Description of Project

Evolution of collision cascade structures in bcc metals (V, W, Fe and Fe-Cr binaries) beyond the MD timescale (a few tens of ps) will be modelled using kinetic Monte-Carlo (kMC) methods already established collaboratively at Oxford and Culham. KMC models will be developed, utilising defect structures and properties calculated in other sections of the overall project, to describe long timescale evolution of populations of radiation-induced defects. These models will describe competition between random thermally activated motion of defects in the material and effects of elastic interactions between defects and elements of the microstructure of the material (impurity atoms, dislocations and grain boundaries) as well as interactions between defects themselves. The project will provide information about densities of defects, as well as the dominant types of defects, at various stages of microstructural evolution. This information will be used by collaborating researchers in modelling plastic deformation and fracture.

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 using kinetic Monte-Carlo modelling.
  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 to 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: Sergei Dudarev

Studentships in Materials at Oxford