Project Outline

The radioactive decay of plutonium leads to the generation of lattice damage and helium bubbles, both of which result in changes to physical properties (e.g. density, strength etc.) with age. Moreover, the evolution of lattice damage may lead to changes to the diffusion characteristics of the metal, for example by lowering the activation energy required for diffusion. The aim of this studentship is to investigate the nature and consequences of lattice damage in nickel and cerium, two fcc surrogate metals for plutonium. The 5MV tandem ion accelerator at the Dalton Cumbria Facility (DCF) will be used to produce lattice damaged specimens by heavy ion bombardment. Examination principally by transmission electron microscopy (at Imperial College), both before and after suitable annealing treatments, will allow the extent of lattice damage to be quantified and the kinetics and mechanisms of recovery processes to be understood. The effect of ion bombardment together with helium implantation will also be investigated. Here, post-bombardment analysis by time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (at Imperial College) and Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (at the DCF) will also be carried out to aid understanding of how metal lattice damage facilitates He mobility and bubble formation.

Qualifications

Applicants should have or expect a good (I or II(i)) honours degree (or an equivalent degree) in Chemistry.

Further Information

For further details please visit http://www.nextgennuclear.manchester.ac.uk/our-research/manchester/ or email Professor Pimblott and include a C.V. at Simon.Pimblott<στο>manchester.ac.uk

For general admission information, please email: ngn<στο>manchester.ac.uk