Chris has a BSc in Physics before working in diamond research focussing on synthesis and treatments for colour generation. Currently work as an equipment scientist for the UK atomic energy authority whilst working towards a PhD with the University of Birmingham.
Project: Understanding synergistic interaction between irradiation and plasticity in nanostructured alloys (inc. steels)
Future fusion reactor designs are demanding structural materials which must be low activation, capable of operating at higher temperatures (6000C and above), and surviving significant neutron irradiation damage (100+ DPA over the lifespan of a fusion reactor).
This project will investigate how well current promising alloys (ODS steels, advanced RAFM steels) will withstand these challenging conditions. In parallel, body-centred cubic super alloys and nanostructured alloys are being developed at the University of Birmingham which will also have their suitability tested.
Techniques employed: SEM, EBSD, EDX, Nanoindentation, Tensile testing, Tensile testing during proton irradiation.