Ageing of plutonium oxide powders: evolution of physical properties

This PhD project supports the Nuclear Forensics (Provenance) programme through the understanding and characterisation of the effects of radioactive
ageing on morphology and microstructure. The results of this project will provide valuable reference data to support the wider National Nuclear
Forensics Library (NNFL) programme.

Nuclear Forensics is the science of determining the identity, history and origin of nuclear or other radioactive materials, and as such is a critical component of
security and safeguards controls. Through the characterisation, analysis and interpretation of their properties, nuclear materials can be linked to the processes by which they were produced and through which they have assumed their current form.

This PhD project presents an exciting opportunity to investigate how these nuclear forensic signatures of plutonium dioxide evolve as a result of radioactive decay and ageing processes, through the use of multiscale modelling and simulation techniques. The project will be highly industrially focussed, working with key partners from the UK's Nuclear Forensics capability, and as such the successful candidate will be expected to present within a number of national and international fora. Applications are welcomed from candidates with a strong undergraduate interest and/or background in materials science, engineering, physics or chemistry