Salt formations are considered one of the most promising geological barriers for the long-term isolation of nuclear waste. Their low permeability, high thermal conductivity, and self-healing (creep) behaviour under stress make them ideal for containing radionuclides over geological timescales. While salt backfill—particularly crushed rock salt—has been studied in countries like Germany, interlinked experimental data and validated numerical models in this regime remain limited, especially in the context of UK salt formations.
This project aims to address a significant knowledge gap by image-based characterisation of the behaviour of salt under representative repository conditions, with a focus on its sealing ability over multiple length scale (nm- cm) and temporal scales (seconds to days). The research will include laboratory testing of three material types (in priority order): 1) Crushed salt (used as backfill material), 2) Salt–clay mixtures (considered for engineered barriers or alternative hosts), 3) Intact salt (relevant to host rock behaviour). It will use multi-scale imaging and 4D imaging (3D + time) to investigate microstructural evolution and deformation processes in salt under realistic high-temperature, high-pressure, chemical, and fluid conditions. This innovative approach will generate insights into the fundamental science behind the sealing process, supporting model development and validation.
This project is co-funded by EPSRC Saturn Nuclear CDT, UKNNL (https://uknnl.com), and School of Engineering at University of Manchester (https://www.manchester.ac.uk ).
Eligibility
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
Our application process can also be found on our website: Apply | EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Skills And Training Underpinning a Renaissance in Nuclear (SATURN) If you have any questions, please contact saturn@manchester.ac.uk
Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact.
We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.
We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder).
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