PhD Studentship: Research on AC loss of HTS fusion magnets

The project:

Compared to low temperature superconductors (NbTi & Nb₃Sn), high temperature superconductors (HTS) REBCO coated conductors have ultra-high current carrying capability under high magnetic background fields, which makes it very suitable for build the compact high field magnets for tokamak fusion devices. HTS REBCO magnet technology can significantly speed up the R&D and delivery of commercial fusion power plants. However, the AC loss of HTS REBCO coated superconductors during the fast charging and discharging process of HTS magnets will be a big challenge for the HTS REBCO fusion magnets. AC loss of HTS REBCO coated superconductor will reduce the efficiency of the system and the safety margin and increase the cooling burden of the HTS magnetic system. In addition, high AC loss concentrated on a local position might trigger a quench propagating outward. So, it is very important and meaningful to study the AC loss characteristics of HTS REBCO magnets and work out effective solutions to reduce the AC loss of HTS REBCO coated wires and HTS magnets. This PhD project aims to study the characteristic of AC loss of the HTS REBCO magnets and investigate effective solutions to reduce the AC loss of HTS fusion magnets.

Academic Supervisor Dr Jun Ma is a member of the PhD supervisor team for the EPSRC CDT in Superconductivity: Enabling Transformative Technologies (2024-2032) (University of Bristol, University of Cambridge, University of Oxford), of which UKAEA is a key industrial partner. An experienced industrial supervisor (senior engineer) from UKAEA working on HTS magnets technology will support and co-supervise this PhD project. Applied Superconductivity Lab led by Dr Jun Ma will provide high-quality research training for this PhD project, which will be valuable skills and knowledge for the applicant and enable the PhD an excellent researcher and engineer for UKAEA and entire fusion energy industry.

How to apply:

Prior to submitting an online application, you will need to contact the project supervisor to discuss.

Online applications are made at http://www.bris.ac.uk/pg-howtoapply. Please select Electrical and Electronic Engineering PhD on the Programme Choice page. You will be prompted to enter details of the studentship in the Funding and Research Details sections of the form.

Candidate requirements: 

Applicants must hold/achieve a minimum of a merit at master’s degree level (or international equivalent) in a science, mathematics or engineering discipline. Applicants without a master's qualification may be considered on an exceptional basis, provided they hold a first-class undergraduate degree. Please note, acceptance will also depend on evidence of readiness to pursue a research degree.

If English is not your first language, you need to meet this profile level: Profile E

Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.

Funding:

Minimum tax-free stipend at the current UKRI rate is £19,237 for 2024/25.

Industry funding from UKAEA will cover 50% of this funding (pending contract finalization).

This funding is not yet guaranteed and will also need to go through a competitive selection process.

For eligibility and residence requirements please check the UKRI UK Research and Innovation website

Contacts:

For questions about the research topic, please contact Dr Jun Ma (jun.ma@bristol.ac.uk).

For questions about eligibility and the application process please contact Engineering Postgraduate Research Admissions admissions-engpgr@bristol.ac.uk

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