Supervisor: Dr. Ritesh Mohun (Lecturer, Nuclear Futures Institute, Bangor University)
This PhD project is one of two projects being advertised in the School of Computer Science and Engineering at Bangor University that are supported by the TRANSPARANT project (Technological Research Action Necessary for Safe PARtitioning And Nuclear Transmutation) which aims to achieve advancements towards reducing waste generation and enhancing fuel efficiency in Generation IV fission technologies, as well as ensuring safe operation by making progress towards the qualification procedure of advanced nuclear fuels.
This PhD work aims to provide significant insight into the thermal properties of irradiated fuels as well as systematic investigation of the main Joint Oxyde Gaine (JOG) and Reaction Oxyde Gaine (ROG) compounds. This work programme will also include investigating the inert gas behaviour and the evolution of the microstructure under irradiation of minor actinide-bearing nuclear fuels such as (U,Pu,Am)O2. The PhD will be under the supervision of Dr. Ritesh Mohun and will require the student to spend time at Bangor University, CEA/Saclay–France, and JRC-Germany.
The student is expected to spend the first months of the project at the Nuclear Futures Institute in Bangor University, acquiring necessary training in handling radioactive materials and relevant characterisation techniques. Following this, the student will undertake two experimental campaigns at CEA Saclay in France and JRC in Germany.
At CEA/Saclay in France, the student would be expected to participate in a series of experimental campaigns aimed at first synthesis and understanding the formation mechanism of selected JOG and ROG compounds in the Cs-Cr-O, Cs-Mo-I-O, and Cs-Cr-Mo-O systems. During that time range, the effects of these JOG and ROG compounds on the corrosion and deterioration of steel cladding will be examined.
At JRC in Germany, the student will participate in post-irradiation experiments to characterise the (U,Pu,Am)O2 fuel irradiated previously in the SPHERE experiments. This will entail using in-house characterisation techniques such as SEM-EBSD and TEM measurements to investigate the microstructure, grain structure, and distribution of actinides and major fission products produced by the irradiation of minor actinide-bearing fuels.
The student will then be expected to return to Bangor University for discussion of experimental results and a write up period.
Applicants should have an interest in experimental materials science, nuclear engineering, and a willingness to perform research in France and Germany during the duration of their studies. Applicants should have a relevant degree in materials, physics, chemistry, engineering, or a related field.
