Performance and Reliability of Metallic Materials for Nuclear Fission Power Generation
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Manchester
Department Name: Materials
Abstract
Abstracts are not currently available in GtR for all funded research. This is normally because the abstract was not required at the time of proposal submission, but may be because it included sensitive information such as personal details.
Publications
Blackmur M
(2015)
Zirconium hydride precipitation kinetics in Zircaloy-4 observed with synchrotron X-ray diffraction
in Journal of Nuclear Materials
Blackmur M
(2016)
Strain evolution during hydride precipitation in Zircaloy-4 observed with synchrotron X-ray diffraction
in Journal of Nuclear Materials
Burke M
(2013)
Environment-Sensitive Behaviour of Welds: Challenges in Microstructural Characterisation
in Microscopy and Microanalysis
Fitzner A
(2016)
The effect of aluminium on twinning in binary alpha-titanium
in Acta Materialia
Platt P
(2015)
A study into the impact of interface roughness development on mechanical degradation of oxides formed on zirconium alloys
in Journal of Nuclear Materials
Platt P
(2014)
Finite element analysis of the tetragonal to monoclinic phase transformation during oxidation of zirconium alloys
in Journal of Nuclear Materials
Platt P
(2015)
Observation of the effect of surface roughness on the oxidation of Zircaloy-4
in Corrosion Science
Platt P
(2015)
Critical assessment of finite element analysis applied to metal-oxide interface roughness in oxidising zirconium alloys
in Journal of Nuclear Materials
Platt P
(2015)
A study into stress relaxation in oxides formed on zirconium alloys
in Journal of Nuclear Materials
| Description | Work under the PROMINENT programme fostered better understanding of stress corrosion cracking phenomena in plant materials, and better understanding of hydride precipitation in Zr alloys. In addition, we developed new understanding of the effect of the undulating oxide-metal interface on oxide integrity in Zr alloys. |
| Exploitation Route | In addition to the gains we have made in the understanding of metals for nuclear energy applications, of particular use from this project has been the development of work in characterisation and modelling techniques. In particular, the two PhD students have done some very interesting, innovative work in the use of electron microscopy techniques and modelling respectively. |
| Sectors | Aerospace Defence and Marine Energy Manufacturing including Industrial Biotechology |
| Description | This multi-faceted project has enabled a range of research to be undertaken around the theme of metallic materials for applications in nuclear power generation. The focus of this work has been on zirconium and steels, and their behaviours under a range of simulated in-service conditions. The project involved modeling, experimental and material characterisation work, comprising a complementary approach to the issue. As a result, we understand these materials more, but have also developed a range of innovative techniques which can be taken forward to a range of future projects. |
| Sector | Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Energy |
| Impact Types | Societal Economic |
| Description | Rolls-Royce plc |
| Organisation | Rolls Royce Group Plc |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| Start Year | 2007 |
| Description | Westinghouse |
| Organisation | Siemens AG |
| Department | Siemens Westinghouse Power Corp |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | contribution to R&D knowledge |
| Collaborator Contribution | top up of PhD students, fully funded PhD students and materials including irradiated materials |
| Impact | Some of our PhD students now work for Westinghouse in Sweden and the USA. We also improved WH's understanding of their product. |
| Description | Wood plc |
| Organisation | Wood Group |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | informing and advising Wood |
| Collaborator Contribution | Direct and in-kind contribution. |
| Impact | Some of our PhD students now work for Wood |
| Start Year | 2015 |