PhD Studentship in Methods for Predicting Fatigue Crack Growth Behaviour in PWR Components

Imperial College London; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is inviting applications for a research studentship focused on fatigue crack growth, leading to a PhD award. This exciting opportunity involves developing innovative methods for predicting crack growth in nuclear power components, utilizing advanced experimental techniques. Candidates will collaborate with industry leaders to provide vital recommendations, contributing to the integrity of high-stakes engineering projects. If you're passionate about mechanical engineering and eager to make a difference in the field, this role offers a unique chance to advance your career in a supportive academic environment.

Qualifications

• Enthusiastic and self-motivated candidates required for PhD enrollment.
• Interest in fracture mechanics and experimental testing is essential.

Responsibilities

• Develop methods for predicting fatigue crack growth in PWR components.
• Utilize novel experimental techniques and analysis methods.

Skills

Fracture Mechanics

Experimental Testing

Team Working

Observational Skills

Communication Skills

Education

2:1 or 1st Class Honours Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Applications are invited for a research studentship in the field of fatigue crack growth, leading to the award of a PhD degree. The post is supported by a bursary and fees (at the UK student rate) provided by an EPSRC Industrial Case Award in collaboration with EDF Energy. Candidates should fulfil the eligibility criteria for the award https://www.ukri.org/what-we-do/developing-people-and-skills/esrc/funding-for-postgraduate-training-and-development/eligibility-for-studentship-funding/.

About EDF UK

EDF UK owns and operates the UK nuclear power plants, including Sizewell B Pressurised Water Reactor (PWR), which is seeking a lifetime extension from 2035 to at least 2055. EDF is also constructing EPRs at Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C. These plants are crucial to the UK’s ambition of achieving net-zero carbon emissions. The UK regulatory regime requires defect tolerance to be demonstrated for high integrity components. Fatigue is a key degradation mechanism affecting the integrity of key PWR components. It is necessary to demonstrate that fatigue crack growth from postulated manufacturing defects is tolerable over the plant lifetime.

Research Objectives

1. Develop improved methods for predicting fatigue crack growth for complex loading histories relevant to typical PWR components.
2. Utilize a combination of novel experimental techniques and analysis methods.
3. Provide recommendations to industry on predicting fatigue crack growth, including contributions from welding residual stresses.

Candidate Requirements

You should be enthusiastic and self-motivated, meeting the academic requirements for PhD enrollment at Imperial College London. A 2:1 or 1st class honours degree in mechanical engineering or a related subject is required. An interest in fracture mechanics and experimental testing is essential. Good team-working, observational, and communication skills are also necessary.

Additional Information

Learn more about research at Imperial College London in this area: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/mechanical-engineering/research/

Application process details: http://www.imperial.ac.uk/mechanical-engineering/study/phd/how-to-apply/

Contact Prof. Catrin Davies at [e-mail] for further details. Interested applicants should send an up-to-date CV to Prof. Davies. Candidates will need to complete an electronic application form at Imperial College London for qualification assessment by the College Registry.

Closing date: August 31^st 2025