PhD Studentship: Multiscale Investigation of Corrosion Deposition in High Temperature High Pressure Water for Nuclear Power Plants

Funding notes: Industrial CASE, EPSRC supported by EDF Energy. The candidate need to either be UK national or UK resident. Will provide a stipend of at least the standard UKRI rate. (24/25 £19,237 / year) and cover tuition fees at the Home UKRI rate. Proposed start date: 21/09/2024 to 01/01/2025 Duration of project/funding: 3.5 years

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.

Objectives

This PhD opportunity, offered in collaboration with Rolls-Royce, focuses on a multiscale investigation of CRUD (Corrosion Related Unidentified Deposits) deposition in high-temperature, high-pressure water within nuclear power plants. The primary objective of this research project is to unravel the complex dynamics of iron-dominated, nickel-dominated, and mixed Fe-Ni corrosion products on zircaloy surfaces. By exploring boiling, flow conditions, and varying coolant chemistries, the study aims to understand the effects of deposited CRUD on surface morphology and thermal performance. The project employs a comprehensive approach integrating experimental and modeling methodologies to address the significant concern of CRUD deposition in water-cooled reactor technology, particularly in Pressurized Water Reactors (PWR).

Significance:

CRUD deposition is a critical issue in water-cooled reactor technology, impacting thermal performance by introducing increased resistance to heat removal and altering surface composition. This PhD project holds substantial significance as it seeks to provide a deeper understanding of CRUD formation and its influence on heat transfer dynamics. The investigation aims to contribute valuable insights to enhance the safety and optimal performance of nuclear power plants. By characterizing CRUD layers through microstructural, compositional, and topographical analyses, the research endeavors to advance knowledge in the field, offering critical information on inducive conditions, deposition rates, and the overall impact of CRUD on various surfaces under diverse conditions.

Methodology:

The project employs a multifaceted methodology that integrates experimental and modeling approaches. Experimental investigations will be conducted at the University of Manchester, utilizing established rigs to simulate a spectrum of conditions, from single-phase heat transfer to boiling. The research will focus on the comprehensive characterization of CRUD layers, employing microstructural, compositional, and topographical analyses to unravel the complexities of CRUD formation. Complementing these experimental efforts, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation will be employed to interpret CRUD build-up measurements, identify key phenomena influencing CRUD deposition, and refine the understanding of CRUD deposition dynamics. This combined approach aims to provide a holistic perspective on CRUD deposition in high-temperature, high-pressure water environments in nuclear power plants.

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. The project's alignment with the UK's goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 further emphasizes its broader significance in the context of sustainable energy development.

Informal enquiries, contact Professor Fabio Scenini at Fabio.Scenini@manchester.ac.uk

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