PhD Studentship: An investigation on the tribochemical surface interactions of molten salt reactors

Lead Supervisor’s full name & email address

Dr Liuquan Yang - [email protected]

Co-supervisor name(s) & email address(s)

Dr Frederick Pessu - [email protected]

Project summary

Materials challenges have always been critical for delivering low-carbon energy towards the UK’s goal to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The molten salt reactor (MSR) has shown a renewed interest in developing Generation IV nuclear reactors. With the complication of Salts chemistry and the extreme conditions to operate, the material degradation behaviour when the components are subject to mechanical motions become critical for the operational safety of the reactors.

This project will focus on the fundamental understanding/mechanism of the tribochemical interface when exposed to molten salt environments. Empowered by the Henry Royce Institute extreme condition tribology suite at Leeds and the NNUF facility at Leeds, the candidate is expected to investigate the tribological integrity of the material and salts chemistry in order to gain the new knowledge in this area and new UK research capability.

Please state your entry requirements plus any necessary or desired background

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.

Subject Area

Applied Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Synthetic Chemistry, Fluid Mechanics, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Physics