Irradiation tolerance of high temperature superconducting tapes, coils, joints and associated magnet components

Irradiation studies to date have focussed exclusively on critical current properties of high temperature superconducting (HTS) tapes. This has been of prime concern as it is a device design driver, influencing shielding thicknesses and thus power plant size and economics. There have been several studies using fast neutron, light ion and gamma irradiation to test the degradation of the superconducting properties on short samples of individual HTS tape. However, irradiation is also expected to affect many other factors within the magnet system that are so far unexplored.  This joint project with Tokamak Energy will address this lack of knowledge by investigating a range of broader issues associated with the radiation tolerance of coils, including the effects of irradiation on the mechanical integrity of layered HTS tapes. In particular, damage to the buffer layers and the buffer-REBCO interface will be assessed to determine the impact of irradiation on the delamination strength of HTS tapes. In addition, the student will investigate the effect of radiation on the performance of joints within the magnet.  Resistance in the joints leads to heat dissipation, ultimately affecting the viability of thermally efficient and maintainable power plant concepts. Both the bulk properties of the metallic jointing materials and the important contribution from the REBCO-metal cladding interfacial resistivity within the HTS tapes themselves will be assessed. Since contact resistance is known to be influenced by oxygen at the interface, this strand of the project will correlate changes in interface chemistry and morphology on irradiation.  

General enquiries on how to apply can be made by e mail to graduate.studies@materials.ox.ac.uk.  You must complete the standard Oxford University Application for Graduate Studies.  Further information and an electronic copy of the application form can be found at https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate/applying-to-oxford.