PhD Studentships
Oxidation Mechanisms in Zirconium Alloys
School of Materials

Start Date: September 2007

The Projects
Studentship 1: Effect of hydrogen on oxidation of zirconium alloys Studentship 2: Corrosion and electrochemical characterisation of oxide in zirconium alloys.

Two project studentships are available in Manchester funded by a new EPSRC project with additional money from industry on oxidation mechanisms in zirconium alloys, a collaborative programme between Manchester University, Oxford University and the Open University with strong industrial involvement. The aim of this project is to develop a fully mechanistic understanding of the aqueous corrosion of zirconium alloys, particularly in high temperature pressurised water. This will allow the development of a physically-based life prediction capability
for the oxidation of zirconium alloys applicable to new generation nuclear reactors and chemical plant.

Studentship 1 will focus on a mechanistic understanding of the transition to rapid (breakaway) oxidation when the material contains high levels of hydrogen. The project will use cross-sectional High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy imaging, EBSD, advanced
diffraction techniques such as synchrotron x-ray diffraction and Raman Spectroscopy to characterize the metal/oxide determine interface, phase fractions and residual stresses in the oxide layer. The project will be supervised by Dr M Preuss and Dr B. Cottis.

Studentship 2 will focus on a mechanistic understanding of the transition to rapid (breakaway) oxidation as a function of alloy composition and microstructure by using complementary state-of-the-art in-situ electrochemical impedance spectroscopy studies to study the influence of water chemistry on oxide growth by chemical doping of the autoclave environment. This project will be supervised by Dr S. Lyon and Dr B. Cottis.

The Awards
One studentship is funded under the EPSRC project grant and the other by industrial contribution towards from Electricity de France (EDF) and Westinghouse.

Studentship 1 provides full fees and maintenance for Home/EU or Overseas students.

Studentship 2 provides full fees and maintenance for Home/EU students.

All candidates are required to have a degree of minimum classification 2:1 (upper second or equivalent) in Physics, Materials, Engineering or a related discipline.

Further information and Application
For further information, please contact:
michael.preuss@manchester.ac.uk, bob.cottis@manchester.ac.uk or
stuart.lyon@manchester.ac.uk

To apply please submit an online application at www.manchester.ac.uk/postgraduate/howtoapply and send a CV to Dr
Michael Preuss, School of Materials, University of Manchester,
Grosvenor Street, Manchester, M1 7HS