Cohort Three
Stamatina Alexandropoulou
Imperial College London
Modelling the behaviour of the compacted bentonite at high temperatures
The aim of the PhD research is to predict bentonite clay behaviour used as a buffer between the nuclear waste canisters and the host rock in geological disposal facilities (GDF), at temperatures above 100°C. The project will be implemented utilizing advanced numerical methods and also experimental data from the pan-European HotBENT field experiment, made available through collaboration with Nuclear Waste Services.
Why did you want to do a PhD?
I was always excited about physics and how its applications can contribute in several aspects of everyday life, dealing with global challenges such as climate change. I developed a particular interest in nuclear physics related topics, participating in activities and research focused on nuclear science applications. So, I was convinced that I would like to get further involved in nuclear research which aims to deliver a better future to next generation society. Thus, I am studying for a PhD which links geotechnics with nuclear science and engineering to manage radioactive waste in future GDFs.
What motivates you?
The idea of contributing against climate change to save the global environment.
Where is your favourite place to be?
Next to the seaside!
Conor Buchanan
Bangor University
Developing cancer treatments with Targeted Auger Therapy
Thomas Budd
Imperial College London
Performance of aged cement grouts for encapsulating radioactive wastes
Looking to further characterise and develop the understanding of how aged cements perform under the conditions presented in a GDF. I am doing this through both thermodynamic modelling and laboratory experiments on cement samples that have been aged at hydrothermal conditions at different temperatures for over 10 years. using these techniques, I should be able to predict long term characteristics of these cements.
What is your favourite animal?
I love all animals but dogs will forever have a special place in my heart
What hobbies do you have?
In London I like going to the theatre. When I go home to the Highlands I like hiking and open water swimming. Once you get over the shock of being in ice cold water there's a 20 minute window of pure exhilaration before the pain kicks back in.
What did you want to be when you were younger?
I wanted to be a vet until I found out that you had be intelligent to be a vet so I settled for nuclear scientist instead!
Patrick Carter Cortez
University of Cambridge
Nuclear data sensitivity and uncertainty analysis in the Jules Horowitz Reactor core using generalised perturbation theory in Monte Carlo simulations
Exploring the effect of nuclear data uncertainties on Monte Carlo estimates of void effects, power distributions, and irradiation performance in the JHR. This is particularly important when looking at fine power distributions in outer fuel elements at the interface with the beryllium reflector. Initial sensitivity analysis is carried out with the SERPENT Monte Carlo neutron transport code.
What flavour tea do you usually buy?
Queen Anne blend (Fortnum & Mason)
How good are you at drawing?
Can't draw a sin(x) curve to save my life.
What is the most amazing thing you have witnessed?
The Salar de Uyuni at night (Google it).
Mahin Choudhary
The Open University
A New Approach for 3D Mapping of Residual Stress
Amongst available residual stress measurement techniques the contour method is a powerful technique capable of providing 2D map of residual stress across a plane of interest using equipment available in most workshops. The technique has been increasingly used to characterise residual stresses introduced by a wide range of manufacturing processes, for structural integrity assessments and validating numerical simulations. The aim of this project is to implement multiple residual stress measurement techniques including the contour method together with advanced numerical modelling to provide 3D maps of residual stress distribution for engineering structures.
Alejandra De Lara
University of Cambridge
Salt-cooled High Temperature Reactors
My research continues with the development of the Fluoride-cooled Hight-Temperature Reactor (FHR) concept incorporating features from Advanced Gas-cooled Reactor (AGR). FHRs offer similar performance levels compared with Gen IV technologies with a potentially shorter development schedule. Previous work performed has shown that FHR reactors can benefit from British AGR technologies which could further reduce the required development time.
What hobbies do you have?
I love running. My favourite distance is the half marathon.
Where is your favourite place to be?
My favourite place on Earth is my hometown in southern Spain. I love spending time with my family and running along the beach.
Hugh Dorward
University of Bristol
Simulating the scatter of a polycrystalline in synchrotron diffraction using crystal plasticity simulation
Crystal plasticity finite element models are widely used in nuclear materials to investigate deformation through mechanisms at the crystallographic level. However, these models are often computationally expensive to run. My project is looking at using statistical machine learning techniques to build surrogate models of these finite element models which run much faster, making methods requiring lots of model evaluations such as uncertainty analysis and calibration more efficient, as well as allowing evaluation of much larger models.
Where are fives places you really want to visit before you die?
Finland, Patagonia, Sicily, New Zealand and Yellowstone are all definitely on the bucket list.
Alex Drake
Imperial College London
High-fidelity modelling of clad ballooning during a loss-of-coolant accident
Susannah Lea
Imperial College London
Peridynamics and Crystal Plasticity Finite Element Method Modelling of the Oxidation of Zirconium Alloys
Zirconium is used for the cladding on fuel pins as it has high neutron transparency, however it is also susceptible to oxidation during reactor operation. My project is looking at modelling the growth of this oxidation layer and using this to understand hydrogen pickup, which is a life limiting factor for nuclear fuel, as hydrogen ingress has been linked to parabolic and sub-parabolic growth of the oxide layer. I am aiming to link together two modelling approaches which are the brittle fracture technique of peridynamics for the oxide layer and crystal plasticity finite element method for the underlying metal. This will give a comprehensive model capturing the stress states in both layers and how they interact to drive cracks and provide routes for hydrogen uptake.
What hobbies do you have?
I enjoy music and play both the trumpet and sing, as well as play badminton and I also love baking when I get the chance.
What did you want to be when you were younger?
An astronaut (and there’s still a bit of me that wouldn’t say no if I got the chance!)
Where is your favourite place to be?
The peak district, I did my Year in Industry in Derby and loved to go exploring at the weekends.
Maciej Makuch
Imperial College London
A new generation of models for predicting corrosion damage in stainless steel
Stress corrosion cracking of stainless steel, as the name implies, it’s a phenomenon which involves mechanical stress to dissolve (corrode) a steel alloy that is meant to be non-corroding. Luckily, in our everyday lives we don’t meet environment that harsh and thanks to that, our cutlery and watches stay ever shiny and don’t turn into a pile of rust by themselves. However, when the stress corrosion cracking does occur, it is never as simple as just some salty water influence. Material microstructure, the way it was processed, the way it works and only then its chemical environment make up for a puzzling yet rewarding research topic.
What’s the best thing you’ve got going on in life at the moment?
I do love my research, I am not a very talkative guy, but I do like sharing on my own results as well as talking through possible problems met in my own or other people research. If you find me talking only about it, it’s not because I am all the time serious, but rather because I am really into it.
How did you spend money from your very first job?
I bought myself a motorbike suit and it is marvellous. Riding in rain is fun, unless you’re soaked to the bone, and you have a string wind blowing from the side. Ridding on a sunny day is nice, unless you’re boiling hot from the inside because it’s nearly 30 degrees. A proper motorbike suit can eliminate both problems, unless you ride in really extreme conditions.
Who is the most competitive person you know?
That would be my sister, Malwina. She’s always up for a challenge, but she will give up if she realises she can’t be the best in it. She will always try to best anyone who does the same thing she does, so frankly, the only way around it is either doing something else or being so exceptionally good at it that she won’t think of trying to beat you. Best do both.
Simon McKendrey
University of Bristol
Extracting fracture parameters from non-standard specimens using digital image correlation
The project aims to investigate the effect of residual stresses on the fracture and fatigue behaviour of metallic components. Large residual stresses often inducing plasticity can be found in welded components such as pipes or pressure vessels. These stresses can affect the fatigue and fracture parameters of the material surrounding the weld, it is therefore important to fully understand the impact this may have on the component.
Where is your favourite place to be?
The Lake District, the best place in the world. Even better with friends!
What hobbies do you have?
Gymnastics, badminton, softball
What, in your opinion, is the most amazing animal?
Got to the pangolin! Sadly most species are critically endangered.
Nuhu Muhammed
The Open University
Correction of microstructural aberration in neutron diffraction strain measurements in power plant structures.
Residual stress characterisation is an essential aspect of structural integrity assessement. It is possible to use Neutron diffraction techniques to conduct these residual stress characterisation within power plant structures. Nuclear power plant structures are complex and as a result there are errors in the characterisation of residual stresses. Welds and cladding add further to these errors. In this project, Monte Carlo Ray tracing simulation of the neutron diffraction technique is used to predict the errors induced by microstructural features present in power plant components. Modelling is done using McStas ray tracing code, these would then be validated using measurements made at neutron diffraction facilities.
Where hobbies do you have?
Aiki Jitsu, Karate and long distance running.
What did you want to be when you were younger?
I wanted to be a pilot but eventually studied Aerospace Engineering instead.
Harvey Plows
Bangor University
Thermal-Hydraulics measurement and sensing techniques for nuclear applications
To design and develop instrumentation and simulation techniques to support the commissioning and operation of Bangor University’s Thermal Hydraulics Open-access Research (THOR) facility; and by extension Nuclear Power Plant design. This will involve the use of system simulation codes (such as RELAP5) along with computational fluid dynamics simulations (using openFOAM and ANSYS Fluent) to model experimental conditions. The use of wire-mesh and optical fibre sensor technology will then be explored as a method of validating the produced simulations by accurately measuring the flow conditions and thermohydraulic phenomena occurring within the facility.
What hobbies do you have?
I’m an avid campanologist who has enjoyed ringing at churches throughout the country. After moving to Bangor to start my PhD I’ve kept this interest going by joining the local bands at Llandegai and Beaumaris for their weekly practices. Since starting ringing at age eleven I’ve rung 4 peals and over 230 Quarter Peals, 116 of which I conducted. Beyond bell ringing, I am a keen tabletop wargamer and member of Bangor University’s wargaming society.
Why did you want to do a PhD?
During my GCSEs I visited Heysham 2 nuclear power station as part of an Arkwright Engineering Scholarship. After experiencing the amazing technology of the power station, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in the nuclear industry. To develop this ambition, I completed a master project at Nottingham Trent University as part of a degree in Physics with Nuclear Technology. Having enjoyed this formative research experience, I decided the best way to develop my love of nuclear technology and research was to do a PhD.
Where is your favourite place to be?
North Yorkshire Moors.
Alice Robinson
Imperial College London / Rolls-Royce Plc Materials Technologist
Hot Isostatic Pressing of a 12% Chromium steel and the dissimilar metal bond to a Nickel Based Alloy
Rolls-Royce used to buy this 12% chromium steel from a forge house but but as it’s composition is now no longer used commercially it’s becoming expensive and difficult to source. Order quantities aren’t huge and so a powder supply route may suit Rolls-Royce better as powder manufacturers typically have more flexibility in the compositions they can produce than forge houses. My PhD will investigate whether this material can be made through a powder supply chain and the impact that making it that way has on its performance, both mechanically and magnetically
What is your dream job?
Full time heptathlete, absolutely live for my time spent at the the track/gym so if someone could pay me to do it that’d be the dream (sorry R-R), chuck in a Gymshark sponsorship too and we’d really be talking...
If you could be any animal what would you be?
A pug, my pug Gus is 8 now and we are basically twins (sorry to my actual twin), so why try and be anything else
Tom Ross
University of Cambridge
Inducing the Resumption of Alteration in UK Radioactive Waste Glasses
I joined Cohort 3 of the EPSRC Nuclear Energy Futures CDT in October 2021 as a PhD student at the University of Cambridge. My work takes place in the Department of Earth Sciences under the supervision of Prof Ian Farnan. My research analyses a particular phenomenon related to nuclear waste glass storage in which the rate of diffusion of elements within nuclear waste glass into ground water can actually increase (unexpectedly), and rather dramatically, after a given period of time (known as ‘resumption of alteration’).
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Join the Nuclear Energy Future’s CDT!
What do you do in your free time?
do a lot of sport, particularly rugby, athletics, and swimming, but I have also picked up rowing since arriving in Cambridge. I play several musical instruments, including the tenor horn, violin, piano, and guitar. I regularly volunteer for local charities that support people with disabilities and their families.
Michael Salvini
University of Bristol
Simulation and validation of damage in ferritic/martensitic materials
George Spencer
University of Bristol
Optimisation of thermal models to produce specified residual stress fields in steel
The ultimate aim of this collaboration project between the University of Bristol and the Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies (CEA) is to predict the thermal field required to produce a determined residual stress field i.e. the “inverse problem”. Macro-scale residual stresses are present in all walks of life. Macro-scale residual stresses equilibrate internally over a component or assembly. They are present in the majority of manufacturing processes and evolve during the service life of components and assemblies. As part of this project, I am producing an engineering design of a heat treatment system to create residual stresses within sample components. I am producing uncoupled thermal, mechanical FEA models in conjunction with the experiments, which will then be validated via comparison with the experimental data. This is considered the “forward” problem i.e. prediction of the residual stress field from a known thermal field. The second stage of my PhD will be to investigate the “inverse problem” and produce a methodology to produce an FEA model.
What hobbies do you have?
I love rugby, it’s something I have played since I was a kid. Now that I am getting a bit older and my body can’t take the contact anymore I help to training the younger generation and really enjoy it. I also really enjoy surfing and living in north Cornwall is perfect for that!
Why did you want to do a PhD?
After studying for my undergraduate in mechanical engineering I went straight into industry. I worked in the water industry for a few years then transferred across to the nuclear sector. I discovered my passion for nuclear energy and its use as a way to combat climate change and help contribute to the world (in a positive way). I had always wanted to go back the university once I had a few years of experience under my belt and at the age of 30 years old (now a mature student) I decided to take the plunge and start my PhD.
Where is your favourite place to be?
Any beach with decent swell with my minimal and like-minded people.
Sarah Vallely
Bangor University
Modelling the thermal performance of accident tolerant fuel based on uranium nitride
My research focuses on the development of accident tolerant fuel (ATFs) for commercial nuclear reactors. Accident tolerant fuels are being designed to make improvements on already outstanding nuclear fuel, for example in regards to thermal conductivity and corrosion. My work will aim to investigate the effect of dopants on conventional nuclear fuel (UO2), particularly focusing on the grain boundaries of UO2 doped with chromia. Uranium nitride (UN) is a leading candidate for accident tolerant fuel due to its higher thermal conductivity and higher uranium density. Another aim of this project will be to model the thermal conductivity and thermal conductivity degradation of UN and UN composite fuel, to ultimately understand if UN is a good option for ATF in nuclear reactors.
What hobbies do you have?
I enjoy hiking, particularly along the Welsh coastline or in the Snowdonia mountain range.
Why did you want to do a PhD?
To be challenged. I wanted to help solve complex problems in a field of science that I am interested in. I also liked the idea of being able to research independently and plan my own timetable
Where is your favourite place to be?
At home in my garden, with a good book in my hand.
Eleanor White
University of Bristol
Irradiation creep induced nano-/microstructure and property changes in graphite
My research is looking into how irradiation creep affects the structure of graphite. To aid the current creep model, the thermal conductivity of graphite is required. To determine how the thermal conductivity of graphite changes when differing amounts of load or irradiation is applied, I am using a technique called Time Domain Transient Thermoreflectance (TDTR). This technique allows me to use the change in reflectance to measure the change in temperature, which once fitted, yields the thermal conductivity. The aim is to better understand how graphite is affected by irradiated creep, and improve its lifespan in reactors.
What takes a lot of time but is totally worth it?
Baking, nothing beats homemade. Plus who doesn’t love the smell of freshly baked goods
What do you buy way more than most people?
Tea: you can never have to much tea!
What wastes the most time in your day to day life?
Deciding what type of tea to have.
Ethan Wong Yew Hoe
Imperial College London
A Bayesian Neural Network (BNN) Machine Learning (ML) Surrogate Modelling Framework for High-Fidelity Thermal Fatigue Modelling of Components within Load-Following Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs)
I will be modelling and simulating thermal fatigue of T-Junction piping for the channelling of coolants/liquids within nuclear power plants. Machine learning tools such as the use of Bayesian Neural networks and Monte Carlo methods will be employed alongside the simulations
What hobbies do you have?
I love astrophotography, which means i get to spend my weeknights under the stars. But astrophotography from a light polluted city has its own challenges, which I especially love because it makes the journey exciting.
Funfact: Three of my photos were published in Astronomy and Sky&Telescope magazines!
If you were sponsored by a brand, which one would you want it to be?
Definitely UnderArmour hoodies and t-shirts. They are extremely comfortable regardless of weather (and season).
When you were growing up what did you want to be?
When I was younger, I have always aspired to become a professor, and then move on to become astronaut. The dream is still very much alive even now! (Or at least half of it is in the works ;) )