High-Fidelity Flow Measurement Methods for Molten Salt Systems

Understanding flow behaviour in molten salts is critical to the development and safe operation of next-generation nuclear reactors, including fusion and molten-salt fission systems. These fluids play essential roles in heat transfer, coolant circulation, and tritium breeding, yet their extreme temperatures and corrosive chemistry make conventional measurement techniques challenging and often impractical. This PhD project will develop a novel, high-resolution diagnostic tool based on the Wire Mesh Sensor (WMS) to measure phase fraction distribution and temperature distribution in reactor-relevant molten salt environments. Originally designed for light-water systems, the WMS concept must be fundamentally reimagined to operate under the highly conductive, high-temperature conditions typical of advanced nuclear systems. Working across two state-of-the-art facilities, the molten salt loop at the University of Leeds and the SMALLAT testbed at UKAEA, the successful candidate will gain experience in sensor development, experimental fluid mechanics, and high-temperature instrumentation while generating benchmark data to validate advanced computational models used in reactor design and safety assessment.<br /> <br /> The project directly supports the UK’s ambitions in both fusion and advanced fission by addressing a key knowledge gap that underpins the safe and efficient deployment of next-generation reactors. Molten salts feature prominently in reactor concepts of strategic importance to the UK, particularly within UKAEA fusion programmes and emerging molten-salt fission designs. By establishing a diagnostic capability that does not currently exist for these challenging conditions, the project will strengthen the scientific evidence base required for reactor licensing, materials and component design, and system performance prediction. Its outputs will contribute to national priorities in clean energy, energy security, and technological leadership, benefiting UKAEA and the wider nuclear sector as the UK advances toward a low-carbon future.<br />

<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>High-Fidelity Flow Measurement Methods for Molten Salt Systems</strong></em> as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/chemical-engineering/staff/346/associate-professor-david-harbottle">Dr David Harbottle</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>Applications will be considered after the closing date of Thursday 30 April 2026.  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 Thursday 30 April 2026:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date including grading scheme</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul> <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>

Candidates will have, or be due to obtain, a Masters' Degree or equivalent from a reputable university in an appropriate field of Engineering. Exceptional candidates with a First Class Bachelor 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 in partnership with Sellafield Ltd, offering the award of full academic fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant (currently £20,780 in academic session 2025/26) 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 David Harbottle by email to <a href="mailto:D.Harbottle@leeds.ac.uk">D.Harbottle@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>. Please include the specific title of the project and list University of Leeds as the project university.</p>