Thesis supervisor: Zoltán Hózer
Location of studies (in Hungarian): Energiatudományi Kutatóközpont, Atomenergia-kutató intézet, Fűtőelem és reaktoranyagok laboratórium Abbreviation of location of studies: EKAEK
Description of the research topic:
The development of accident tolerant fuel (ATF) designs is carried out in several countries today. The candidate materials have to be tested under different conditions in order to check their applicability to nuclear reactor conditions. The main objective of these developments is to obtain such fuel designs which will have less degradation than the currently used zirconium alloys under accident conditions. It has to be proved that these new designs work well under normal operation, too.
The Centre for Energy Research (EK) is receiving various cladding materials for ATF designs from international partners. The EK experts carry out high temperature thermal and chemical treatment of these samples. Mechanical properties and potential failure mechanisms are investigated. The microstructure of samples is examined using different techniques (LOM, SEM, EDX) in order to characterize the potential changes in the given material.
It is expected that the applicant will take part in the experimental work including the design of tests, their execution and evaluation of results. Furthermore, the applicant will carry out examination of the samples and will be involved in the development of numerical models to simulate ATF behavior. Since these activities are performed in international co-operations, the applicant should actively participate in those projects.