PhD Studentship: Vanadium Alloy to Tungsten Armour Joining for Fusion First-wallblanket & Plasm[...]

University of Birmingham; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent UK university offers a funded 3.5-year PhD studentship focusing on the integration of tungsten and vanadium alloys for fusion reactors. The role involves advanced experimental and computational work within a collaborative research environment, aiming to enhance sustainable fusion energy solutions. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in materials science or related engineering fields and a passion for innovative research.

Benefits

Tax-free stipend

Access to cutting-edge testing facilities

Strong mentorship and collaborative environment

Qualifications

• Prior experience in relevant fields is beneficial but not essential.
• Curious, motivated, and committed individuals are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Conduct a parametric study of dissimilar W/V joining techniques.
• Establish structure–property relationships through testing.
• Complement experimental work with computational modeling tools.

Skills

Microstructural characterization

Knowledge of fusion/fission concepts

Materials science

Education

First or upper-second-class degree in relevant fields

Job description

A funded 3.5-year UK PhD studentship is available at the University of Birmingham with a tax-free stipend. The project is co-funded byTokamak Energy and in collaboration with the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), USA, andForschungszentrum Jülich, Germany.

Background:

Tungsten(W) is the leading candidateforplasma-facingcomponentsin futurefusionreactors duetoits high melting point, low sputter yield, and excellent thermal conductivity. However, integration of Warmourtostructural materials in thefirst-wall(FW)/blanketremains a challenge duetothe absence of robust dissimilar metaljoiningtechnologies. InTokamak Energy’sfusionpilot plant design,vanadium(V)alloys, especially V-4Cr-4Ti (V44), is the preferred FW/blanketstructural material duetoits outstanding thermal creep properties, liquid lithium compatibility, high thermal conductivity, and low neutron absorption. Thus, reliable W/Vjoiningis criticalforsystem operability. While W/V joints have a lower coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) mismatch than W/steel, the manufacturing readiness level remains low. Solid-state welding without interlayers may be viable duetocloser CTE match, but their application in high-loadfusionenvironments needs rigorous analysis. Brazing is another potential technique, particularlyforcomplex geometries, though existing data highlight challenges such as V44 substrate embrittlement duringjoining—likely duetograin growth and/or precipitate dissolution at elevated temperatures. Diode laser cladding may offer advantagesforscalable production. Currently, little data exists on the thermomechanical performance of W/V joints via these methods. Understanding the link between microstructure and properties is crucialforprocess optimisation and design integration.

Project Scope:

This PhD will conduct a parametric study of dissimilar W/Vjoining. Techniques of interest include diffusion bonding, brazing, and diode laser cladding. The research will establish structure–property relationships through advanced electron microscopy and mechanical testing, including tensile strength, fracturetoughness, and thermal creep. Samples will undergo high-heat flux (HHF) testingforthermal fatigue and shock resistance. You will access cutting-edge HHF testing facilities, such asTokamak Energy’s PREFACE electron-beam setup (steady-state heat loads upto~45 MW/m²), and the JUDITH-II facility at Jülich (transient loads upto~1 GW/m²). Computational modellingtools will complement the experimental worktoguidejoiningstrategies and post-weld heat treatment protocols. The outcomes will support selection of ajoiningtechniqueforTokamak Energy’s pilot plant and provide thermomechanical property datatoinform FW/breederblanketengineering design models.

Supervision and Collaboration:

You will be based at the University of Birmingham, working closely with researchers fromTokamak Energy, EPRI, and Jülich. The project offers a collaborative, inclusive, and innovative research environment dedicatedtotackling global challenges such as sustainablefusionenergy. You will receive strong mentorshiptohelp build a successful post-PhD career.

Candidate Profile:

Applicants should hold a first or upper-second-class degree in materials science, mechanical, chemical, nuclear or aerospace engineering, or physics (including plasma or condensed matter). Prior experience in microstructural characterisation orfusion/fission concepts is beneficial but not essential. We seek a curious, motivated, and committed individual.

Contact:

Forfurther information, contact any of the researchers below:

• Prof. Arunodaya Bhattacharya ([e-mail])
• Prof. Moataz Attallah ([e-mail])
• Dr. Samara Michelle Levine ([e-mail])

Please include your CV and academic transcripts when reaching out.

Additional Funding Information

Full funding and competitive stipend availableforUK home students. Self-funded international students welcome.

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