We are pleased to present an exciting PhD opportunity in collaboration with Rolls-Royce, providing a unique chance for candidates to participate in a multiscale investigation of corrosion deposition in high-temperature, high-pressure water for nuclear power plants. While a background in materials science is preferable, it is not a prerequisite, as there are opportunities for retraining. This ensures that the project is accessible to individuals from diverse academic backgrounds who are eager to contribute to cutting-edge research at the forefront of nuclear technology. The PhD studentship comes with a competitive stipend.
The performance of nuclear power plants, including Pressurized Water Reactors (PWRs), can be affected by the formation of corrosion deposits. These loosely adherent corrosion products, known as CRUD (Chalk River Unidentified Deposit), play a key role in determining the out-of-core or shutdown radiation field.
In the present project, the effects of hydrodynamic conditions and temperature on the deposition of corrosion products on structural materials will be investigated in simulated PWR primary water. This topic has been the focus of extensive research in recent years as part of ongoing collaboration between the University of Manchester and Rolls-Royce. To date, micro-fluidic experiments have been employed to study CRUD-related phenomena. The current scientific understanding of the phenomena affecting CRUD transport within the primary circuit and the proposed deposition mechanisms will be extended to conditions more representative of those likely to be encountered in a power plant. Specifically, in the present project, a bespoke experimental facility that allows testing of conditions closer to those experienced in real plants will be used.
The present research will also explore the implementation of electrochemical techniques to measure the electrokinetic effects in high-temperature, high-pressure water, which will inform mechanistic understanding of the interaction between the dynamic flow of the reactor coolant (high-temperature, alkaline, hydrogenated water) and the structural alloys. The overall aim of the project is to generate experimental data to enhance the mechanistic understanding of deposition processes and to support the validation of a model with predictive capability for plant design, as well as materials and chemistry selection.
The research activity will benefit from the consolidated interaction between the supervisory team at the University of Manchester and Rolls-Royce staff. The experimental work will be performed in simulated reactor coolant using the Royce Institute suite for research on high-temperature, high-pressure flow systems; such facilities have been specifically designed for advanced testing in simulated reactor coolant. The materials will be characterized using advanced analytical techniques.
Benefit:
This PhD studentship offers a competitive industrial stipend uplift from the EPSRC base rate. The supervisory team, consisting of two academics along with industrial supervisors, will facilitate the translation of research into an industrial context. Close collaboration with Rolls-Royce technical experts ensures that the research remains aligned with industry needs.
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.
Funding
This 4 year PhD project is fully funded for home applicants. There is also limited funding available for exceptional EU and international applicants. The successful candidate will receive an annual tax free stipend based on the UKRI rate (£20,780 for 2025/26) and tuition fees will be paid. Due to nature of the project, funding is restricted to those candidates who are except from ATAS requirements, which includes nationals from the UK, EU countries, the European Economic Area (EEA), Swiss Nationals and some none EU/ EEA countries. If you have any questions about this please email the supervisor, Prof Fabio Scenini - fabio.scenini@manchester.ac.uk.
Before you apply
We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisor, Prof Fabio Scenini - fabio.scenini@manchester.ac.uk, for this project before you apply. Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project.
How to apply
Apply online through our website: https://uom.link/pgr-apply-2425
When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your supervisor, if you already having funding or if you wish to be considered for available funding through the university, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees.
Your application will not be processed without all of the required documents submitted at the time of application, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
After you have applied you will be asked to upload the following supporting documents:
- Final Transcript and certificates of all awarded university level qualifications
- Interim Transcript of any university level qualifications in progress
- CV
- Supporting statement: A one or two page statement outlining your motivation to pursue postgraduate research and why you want to undertake postgraduate research at Manchester, any relevant research or work experience, the key findings of your previous research experience, and techniques and skills you’ve developed. (This is mandatory for all applicants and the application will be put on hold without it).
- Contact details for two referees (please make sure that the contact email you provide is an official university/work email address as we may need to verify the reference)
- English Language certificate (if applicable)
If you have any questions about making an application, please contact our admissions team by emailing FSE.doctoralacademy.admissions@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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