PhD | Local approach modelling with experimental support for small fracture toughness tests

Job title:

PhD | Local approach modelling with experimental support for small fracture toughness tests

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Job description

Offer DescriptionThe number of nuclear power plants (NPP’s) in long term operation (LTO) increases continuously worldwide with proposed extensions beyond 60 and even 80 years. One of the non-replaceable components is the reactor pressure vessel (RPV). The RPV is therefore crucial to the reactor’s operational lifetime given the importance of the structural integrity and thus nuclear safety.Surveillance programs monitor the changes of mechanical properties of the RPV material by Charpy V-notched specimens. However, the Charpy tests rely on semi-empirical methods. On the other hand, advanced fracture analysis is based on physics-based fracture mechanics. The irradiation-induced shift in this case is based on the lower bound curve from all measured fracture toughness data.The objective of the PhD is targeted towards understanding by enhancements of the most advanced approaches towards the correlations that exist between dynamic and quasi-static tests, by experiments and numerical (finite element) modelling using results obtained by instrumented Charpy and fracture toughness tests, respectively. It will bring novel elements in the existing field related to plasticity near the crack tip including for example rate effects and crack tip sharpness. Miniaturized (mini-Compact Tension (CT)) samples are routinely used as a remedy for the scarcity of test specimens and can be directly machined from the broken Charpy samples. Due to the small size, the fracture toughness of the miniaturized samples will be examined by localized fracture characteristics at the crack tip using micro-mechanical based models (local approach).Where to apply WebsiteRequirementsResearch Field Physics Education Level Master Degree or equivalentResearch Field Engineering » Materials engineering Education Level Master Degree or equivalentSkills/QualificationsThe minimum diploma level of the candidate needs to be

• Master of sciences
• Master of sciences in engineering

The candidate needs to have a background in

• Physics
• Preferably: Materials science

Specific RequirementsEstimated duration

• 4 years

Expert group

• Structural Materials

Languages ENGLISH Level ExcellentAdditional InformationBenefitsWhy would you choose to perform your PhD research at SCK CEN? * Academic & research-oriented: SCK CEN ensures a close cooperation with the academic sector, combined with the unique character of our international research environment. You will work together with supportive experienced experts and use innovative facilities, specifically designed for nuclear experiments.

• Multidisciplinary research: Your PhD is inextricably linked with other areas of expertise, either because of the versatile character of your own topic, or indirectly thanks to knowledge exchanges with colleagues.

• Excellent training centre: SCK CEN is proud of its own SCK CEN Academy, which organises our own internal training courses. Obviously, you can also benefit from these opportunities and the Academy’s excellent reputation.

Eligibility criteriaSelection processAdditional commentsWebsite for additional job detailsWork Location(s)Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute SCK CEN Country Belgium State/Province Antwerp City Mol Postal Code 2400 Street Boeretang GeofieldContact CityMol WebsiteStreetBoeretang 200 Postal Code2400 E-Mailacademy@sckcen.beSTATUS: EXPIREDShare this page

Expected salary

Location

Belgique

Job date

Sat, 11 Jan 2025 08:04:01 GMT

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