Reduced activation ferritic/martensitic (RAFM) steel has been identified as the primary structural material for components such as blankets and divertor cooling pipes, due to its favorable physical and chemical properties, in the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) and the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) program.
However, their welding capability ultimately determines the performance of the final component. Welding can introduce defects, alter microstructures, and degrade material properties, all of which can significantly affect the safety and service life of a fusion reactor. Therefore, advanced welding techniques and precise process control are essential to minimize these adverse effects and ensure the practical application of RAFM steels in fusion energy systems. Moreover, to meet service requirements, the blanket must be joined with plasma-facing materials (W), heat-sink materials in the divertor (Cu/CuCrZr), and also accommodate self-joints of varying thicknesses.
Therefore, analysing the welding and joining capabilities of RAFM steels, both with themselves and with dissimilar materials, and determining the appropriate process parameters are critical, as these factors will directly influence the successful realization of fusion reactors. Several feasible welding techniques can be applied for fabricating blankets and connecting them to the first wall and divertor, including vacuum electron beam welding (EBW), hot isostatic pressing (HIP) diffusion bonding, laser beam welding (LBW), and tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding. Among these, EBW, with its high depth-to-width ratio and narrow heat-affected zone (HAZ), has emerged as the principal welding method for nuclear fusion Tokamak devices. However, welding technologies for RAFM steel and other structural materials are still at an exploratory stage, as research in this area is relatively new and remains limited.
In this PhD project, the University of Manchester (UoM) will establish optimized joining parameters for RAFM steels and their connection materials, such as W and Cu. This will be achieved by leveraging world-leading expertise and facilities in joining technologies, microstructural and mechanical characterization, and advanced modelling. We will investigate joining techniques and characterize W or Cu–interlayer–RAFM steel structures, with particular emphasis on the influence of interlayer metals, residual stress development, intermetallic phase formation at dissimilar interfaces, and diffusion bonding behavior. Ultimately, the project aims to determine robust welding and joining parameters for both dissimilar RAFM steel joints, thereby minimizing geometric distortion and ensuring that service performance requirements are met.
The University of Manchester provides additional training opportunities for PhD students, such as research development, career services, and software training, to support their future career aspirations. Furthermore, the Henry Royce Institute offers Materials 4.0 training courses to enhance their expertise. The student will have opportunities to collaborate with researchers and engineers from various institutes and universities. They will also be supported in attending conferences and workshops to present their work and engage with researchers in related fields.
Eligibility
Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering discipline. We are seeking highly motivated UK nationals with a background in materials science, physics, mechanical engineering, or related fields. Candidates should have a keen interest in experimental work and a willingness to learn new analytical techniques. While a background in materials science, metallurgy, or a related discipline is preferred, training opportunities are available in the early stages of the project for candidates with relevant experience in other fields.
English Language requirements: For example, IELTS 6.5 overall, with at least 6.0 in writing and listening and 5.5 in reading and speaking. For other examples of accepted English qualifications, and to check if we can waive the requirement, please see English Language certificate.
Before you apply
We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisors for this project before you apply (Dr Peng GONG: peng.gong@manchester.ac.uk and Prof. Joseph Robson: joseph.d.robson@manchester.ac.uk). Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project.
How to apply
Apply online through our website: https://uom.link/pgr-apply-2425
When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your supervisor, if you already having funding or if you wish to be considered for available funding through the university, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees.
Your application will not be processed without all of the required documents submitted at the time of application, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
After you have applied you will be asked to upload the following supporting documents:
If you have any questions about making an application, please contact our admissions team by emailing FSE.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk.
Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact.
We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.
We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder).