Assessment of the Effects of Ionising Radiation on the Properties of Vitrified UK High Level Waste

该项目为与英国国家核实验室（NNL）合作提供了一个独特的机会，应用基础科学来应对核废料管理的挑战。来自核燃料回收的高放射性废料目前被纳入玻璃基质。这项研究将涉及使用实验室实验和分子模拟相结合的方法来表征辐射对新玻璃配方结构的影响。来自工业的实际玻璃，使用非放射性废物模拟物，将使用诸如SEM， XRD， IR-Raman和NMR等技术进行表征。结构变化对这种玻璃耐久性的影响也可以通过浸出试验来确定。表征非晶材料的辐射损伤是一项具有挑战性的任务；这个项目的成功需要一个积极主动的候选人。利用分子动力学软件如DL_Poly和LAMPPS对实验室实验数据进行验证。因此，了解编程语言，如FORTAN或c++以及Linux将是有益的。在整个项目中，将与国际上的努力进行比较，从而使成功的候选人有很好的机会在国际舞台上扬名立万。该项目还提供了在美国和NNLs塞拉菲尔德中心实验室工作的机会，因此成功的候选人必须能够申请适当的签证和安全许可的基线标准。此外，您必须满足该博士奖学金的资金要求，其中规定了英国或欧盟国籍。这个项目是基于曼彻斯特大学道尔顿坎布里亚设施，所以不是基于曼彻斯特。监督小组包括曼彻斯特大学的劳拉·利和西蒙·m·皮姆布洛特，以及英国国家实验室的迈克·哈里森。道尔顿坎布里亚设施位于西坎布里亚郡怀特黑文附近的Moor Row的Westlakes科技园区，是道尔顿核研究所（DNI）和化学学院研究项目的一部分。DCF于2013年9月正式开放，在欧洲是独一无二的，为学者提供实验设备和支持环境，以开展辐射科学，核工程退役和放射性废物管理领域的世界领先研究。

This project offers a unique opportunity to work with the UKs National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL), applying fundamental science to address the challenge of nuclear waste management. High Level Waste from nuclear fuel recycling is currently incorporated into a glass matrix. This research will involve the characterisation of radiation effects on the structure of a new glass formulation using a combined approach of laboratory experiment and molecular simulation. Actual glasses from industry, using a non-radioactive waste simulant, will be characterised using techniques such as SEM, XRD, IR-Raman and NMR amongst others. The effect of structural changes on the durability of this glass can also be determined using leaching trials.Characterisation of radiation damage to already amorphous materials is a challenging task; the success of this project will require a highly motivated and proactive candidate. Data collected from laboratory experiment can be validated using molecular dynamics packages such DL_Poly and LAMPPS. As such, knowledge of a programming language such as FORTAN or C++ as well as Linux would be beneficial.Throughout the project, comparison will be made to international efforts and so allows the successful candidate an excellent chance to make a name for themselves on an international stage. The project also offers the opportunity to work both in the United States and at NNLs Central Lab on Sellafield Site and as such the successful candidate must be able to apply for an appropriate visa and for a baseline standard of security clearance. In addition, you must meet the funding requirements of this PhD studentship which stipulate UK or EU nationality.This project is based at the University of Manchesters Dalton Cumbrian Facility and so is NOT based in Manchester. The Supervisory team includes Laura Leay and Simon M. Pimblott of The University of Manchester as well as Mike Harrison of NNL. The Dalton Cumbrian Facility is located on the Westlakes Science & Technology Park, Moor Row near Whitehaven in West Cumbria as part of the research programmes of the Dalton Nuclear Institute (DNI) and the School of Chemistry. The DCF was officially opened in September 2013 and is unique in Europe, providing the experimental equipment and supporting environment for academics to carry out world-leading research in the areas of radiation science, nuclear engineering decommissioning and the management of radioactive waste.