PAJB001 - Development of instrument small-scale testing techniques to describe bulk property changes in irradiated low alloy steels

This will make use of the unique characterisation capability through a long-standing collaboration between Rolls-Royce and the Atom Probe group to identify the features formed during irradiation in Rolls-Royce’s 50 model steels irradiated as part of the ATR-2 programme, for applications in fission power reactors. Building on a currently running project focused more on the APT, this project will further the explore the ability of instrumented nanoindentation to describe the bulk changes in materials properties due to neutron irradiation. It will give the student an excellent chance to develop skills in investigating the changes in mechanical properties of materials under irradiation, to link in with corresponding changes seen in the APT characterisation, and to exploit/develop new models to interpret the radiation response at a fundamental level.

This project is part-funded by Rolls Royce, and it is restricted to Home applicants. The studentship will cover fees at Home rate and stipend of at least £21,805 pa.