Structural modifications in aged PuO2 – Saturn_Nuclear_CDT

This study aims at understanding radiation induced modifications in fluorite derived oxides that mimic the morphology, crystallography, phase stability similar to PuO₂ and aged PuO₂

Large stockpiles of PuO₂ are a continuously changing system due to transmutation that leads to changes in the chemistry and concomitant accumulation of radiation induced damage. These over long periods of time will change the morphology, thermal and mechanical properties of large inventories of aged PuO₂ [1] Experimental characterisation and understanding these modifications are crucial for safeguarding and providing a scientific basis for reuse of PuO₂ in future advanced nuclear fuel cycle. While significant effort is being made to develop computational models to predict long-term effects of transmutation and radiation on aged PuO₂, these models will rely on accurate crystallographic description of phases formed from long-term aging of PuO₂ and measurement of thermal properties using specimens of aged PuO₂ that have been undergoing this aging process for a significantly long time. Due to unavailability of aged PuO₂ and facilities that can handle alpha-active materials, understanding crystallography and phase equilibria of mixed oxides of PuO₂ requires the use of non-radioactive surrogates like mixed oxides of CeO₂ UO₂ ThO₂ and radiation damage using accelerated ion beams [2,3].Transmutation of PuO₂ results in creating a heavy energetic daughter nucleus and an alpha-particle. These energetic species will lead to self-irradiation of nano grained PuO₂ thus producing atomic level disorder and accumulation of He in an otherwise ordered compound. PhD work will kinetics of He release and how this accumulation of He is synergistically complemented by displacive damage caused by the heavy recoil atom to produce an aged microstructure in nano grained powders that mimic PuO₂ in its crystallographic phase and morphology (Re₂O₃:CeO₂ and Re₂O₃:UO₂). The work will explore phase stability and radiation effects in nano-powders using accelerated ions and post irradiation characterisation will be performed using Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). To compare phase stability and radiation effects in surrogates, PuO₂ will be characterised from different lines using NNUF facilities and hand-in-pocket approach.

The studentship will be run as part of the SATURN Centre for Doctoral Training and thus you will get to interact with a large cohort of students who are studying nuclear science and engineering at six leading UK universities.

Applicant Eligibility

Candidates will have, or be due to obtain, a Master’s Degree or equivalent from a reputable University in an appropriate field of Engineering. Exceptional candidates with a First Class Bachelor’s Degree in an appropriate field will also be considered.

 Application Process

• Please complete the enquiry form to express your interest.
• We strongly recommend you contact the project supervisor after completing the form to speak to them about your suitability for the project.
• If your qualifications meet our entry requirements, the CDT Admissions Team will send your enquiry form and CV to the named project supervisor.

Our application process can also be found on our website: Apply EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Skills And Training Underpinning a Renaissance in Nuclear The University of Manchester. If you have any questions, please contact SATURN@manchester.ac.uk

We want all of our staff and Students to feel that Liverpool is an inclusive and welcoming environment that actively celebrates and encourages diversity. We are committed to working with students to make all reasonable project adaptations including supporting those with caring responsibilities, disabilities or other personal circumstances. For example, If you have a disability you may be entitled to a Disabled Students Allowance on top of your studentship to help cover the costs of any additional support that a person studying for a doctorate might need as a result.

We believe everyone deserves an excellent education and encourage students from all backgrounds and personal circumstances to apply.

Candidates wishing to discuss the research project should contact the primary supervisor, Prof. Maulik Patel [maulik@liverpool.ac.uk] or specific question on the SATURN CDT framework for PhD to saturn@manchester.ac.uk