Master Thesis: Fusion Materials

The scientific visit is to discuss collaboration on Fusion Materials in the context of EUROfusion programme and joinging Karazin University to this programme.

Subject & context
The thesis focuses on nuclear fusion technology, specifically in the context of the ITER reactor whose implementation is ongoing in France. The research involves R&D related to the assessment of mechanical properties of structural materials to be used in nuclear fusion environment. Several innovative materials are to be assessed in terms of the mechanical and microstructural properties using laboratory facilities of SCK CEN in Mol.
Research structure
The broader research project consists of three parts:
1. Mechanical Testing & Microstructural Investigation: Practical characterization of mechanical properties (tensile testing, hardness testing) combined with microstructural analysis.
2. Fracture/Failure Studies: Microstructural analysis and analysis of the fracture deformation modes.
3. Comparison of the properties of innovative materials with baseline materials and discussion of the observed differences.

Focus (for thesis): Mechanical Testing & Microstructural Investigation
The thesis will concentrate on the mechanical testing and microstructural investigation of innovative structural materials, with copper-based alloys and steels. The microstructural investigation will be carried out on several different grades (up to four grades are available for the investigation). During the thesis, the student will learn how to perform hardness and tensile tests, how to post process the results and report the results of mechanical tests. Secondly, the student will learn how to use scanning electron microscopy for the analysis of the fracture surface and subsequent mode of the failure of the material under test. Finally, literature study will be performed to compare the properties of the innovative materials with the “baseline” materials – considered currently as basic scenario. The main result of this study is the preliminary validation of the expected advantage of innovative materials (such as composites and additively manufactured materials) in terms of higher strength and ductility.