PhD Studentship: Advanced structural integrity assessment for AGR fuel cladding

The Project:

Are you passionate about materials science, numerical modelling and materials characterisation techniques? Do you want to work on cutting-edge research that will directly impact nuclear safety? If so, this PhD opportunity is for you. 

The safe long-term storage of irradiated stainless steel fuel cladding is a major challenge in nuclear energy. This project will develop a novel, physics-based structural integrity model, validated using synchrotron X-ray microtomography and phase contrast imaging, to predict the lifetime of UK’s advanced gas-cooled reactors fuel cladding in storage environments. 

As a PhD student, you will conduct experiments using state-of-the-art facilities such as the Diamond Light Source and the Surrey Ion Beam Centre, design and test irradiated stainless steel samples to study corrosion, cracking and mechanical degradation, develop advanced computational models using modern C++ and high-performance computing to simulate material behaviour over a 100+ year timespan. 

This project offers the opportunity to collaborate with industry partners, including the UK National Nuclear Laboratory, and engage with the broader nuclear research community. Student will present the research work at international conferences and contribute to high-impact publications. The student will join the Solid Mechanics Research Group at the University of Bristol and benefit from access to the state-of-the-art experimental facilities in Bristol, including the High Temperature Centre and the Interface Analysis Centre. 

We are looking for an ambitious and curious student with a strong background in materials science, mechanical engineering or physics. This interdisciplinary project requires a passion for both experimental work and computational modelling, along with a keen interest in learning fracture mechanics, corrosion, multiphysics modeling and microstructural characterisation. The candidate must be enthusiastic about working as part of a team and collaborating with national research facilities and high-performance computing resources. Finally, this project offers the opportunity to launch a high-profile career in the UK nuclear industry.

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

How to apply

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

Online applications are made by clicking the 'Apply' button, above.

Please select Mechanical 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.

Contacts

For questions about the research topic, please contact Nicolò Grilli (nicolo.grilli@bristol.ac.uk). 

Funding Notes

Minimum tax-free stipend at the current UKRI rate is £20,780 for 2025/26; with additional RTSG of £10,000.00 for 3.5 years

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