In-situ tribological design and investigation for nuclear fusion applications

Operational safety and durability in high vacuum bring the materials challenges in the nuclear fusion applications. Design and material/surface coating selection of rotary devices can be further complicated by process gases, outgassing, magnetic shielding, electrical contact and surface flash temperature.<br /> <br /> An exciting PhD opportunity exist for a talent individuals who wish to conduct some conceptual tribological equipment/test design and in-situ analyses in relation to the extreme environment of the rotary equipment. You will be working closely with a UK vacuum tribotesting manufacturer to design and implement the changes to the Royce@Leeds Environment tribology suite in order to study the working mechanism of the application. You are expected to explore some in-situ measurement techniques that can be suitable for those high speed tribotesting environment. You will validate your design and modification via the friction and wear characterisation both chemical and mechanical.<br />

<p>The main aim of the project is to go fundamental to design and validate the in-situ high speed tribological experiments in vacuum and gaseous environment to advance the knowledge of lubrication theory in vacuum, dry gas and irradiation conditions.</p> <p>The design aspects will involve in the following key areas of investigation (as objectives):</p> <ul> <li>Effect of the process gas such as hydrogen to the tribological behaviour in dry/gas conditions.</li> <li>Investigate the effect of the magnetic shield and electrical contact potential evolution and the relation to the operational conditions.</li> <li>Effect of the temperature on the operational stability in vacuum/process gas environment.</li> <li>In-situ analyses for the tribological measurement parameters and their friction and wear mechanisms.</li> <li>Effect of magnetic field and surface charging on the friction and wear.</li> <li>The effect of irradiation to the tribological behaviour in those environments.</li> <li>Surface coating and material compatibility in the dry gas/vacuum frictional contact.</li> </ul> <p>Fundamental tribological training will be provided by the equipment manufacturer.</p> <p><strong>CDT information</strong></p> <p>This project is part of the Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in SATURN (Skills And Training Underpinning a Renaissance in Nuclear). It is led from the University of Manchester and includes leading nuclear research universities in the North of England and Scottland (University of Leeds, University of Sheffield, Lancaster University, University of Liverpool, University of Strathclyde). We aim to deliver the next generation of nuclear researchers to help the UK achieve its Net Zero targets and beyond, in a collegial cohort environment. The CDT will also include technical training in the nuclear fuel cycle to ensure all candidates are familiar with the nuclear sector, and specialist research skills training.</p> <p><a href="http://www.saturn-nuclear-cdt.manchester.ac.uk/">SATURN_Nuclear_CDT</a></p>

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University's website</a>. Please state clearly in the Planned Course of Study section that you are applying for <em><strong>EPSRC CDT SATURN – Nuclear Science and Engineering</strong></em>, in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <em><strong>In-situ tribological design and investigation for nuclear fusion applications</strong></em> as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/mechanical-engineering/staff/1507/dr-liuquan-yang">Dr Liuquan Yang</a> as your proposed supervisor and <em><strong>in the finance section, please state clearly that the funding source you are applying for is EPSRC CDT SATURN</strong></em>.</p> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p> <p>Applications will be considered after the closing date.  Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application.  We also advise that you apply at the earliest opportunity as the application and selection process may close early, should we receive a sufficient number of applications or that a suitable candidate is appointed.</p> <p><strong>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of Friday 11 April 2025:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul>

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. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<p>A highly competitive EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Skills And Training Underpinning a Renaissance in Nuclear (SATURN) studentship, offering the award of full academic fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant of £20,780 per year for 4 years.  Training and support will also be provided.<br /> <br /> This opportunity is open to UK applicants only. All candidates will be placed into the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in SATURN Studentship Competition and selection is based on academic merit.<br /> <br /> Please refer to the <a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a> website for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.</p>

<p>For further information about this project, please contact Dr liuquan Yang by email to <a href="mailto:L.Q.Yang@leeds.ac.uk">L.Q.Yang@leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p>For further information about your application, please contact Doctoral College Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p>For further information about the CDT SATURN programme, please contact the CDT SATURN Programme Team by email to <a href="mailto:saturn@manchester.ac.uk">saturn@manchester.ac.uk</a> or Dr Timothy Hunter (Programme Director) by email to <a href="mailto:t.n.hunter@leeds.ac.uk">t.n.hunter@leeds.ac.uk</a></p>