ANSTO
2021 FutureNow Plus Scholarship - Ultra-High Temperature Ceramics PhD position (Rolling Intake)
Sydney, Lucas Heights
Opportunity expired
Opportunity details
- Graduate Job or Program
- FutureNow PhD scholarship
- 1 vacancies
- Apply by 31 Oct 2021
- Start date Ongoing
Background
Ultra-High Temperature Ceramics (UHTCs) is a subclass of emerging high-temperature materials for extreme environments – e.g. combination of temperature, radiation, and corrosion. Chemically, most UHTCs are binary compounds of B, C, or N with one of the transition metals: Hf, Ta, Nb, Zr, Ti, V, etc. The high strength and melting temperature (> 2500°C) of these compounds stem from the covalent bonds, while enhanced thermal and electrical conductivity stem from their metallic character. In general, these metal-ceramic bonds between the constituent atoms give UHTCs a combination of metal-like and ceramic-like thermo-physical-mechanical properties leading to their excellent high-temperature performance. Such a unique combination of thermo-physical-mechanical properties makes UTHCs suitable as an engineering material for a broad range of applications across energy, space and defence sectors. However, the thermo-physical properties (e.g. high melting point, strong covalent bonding and low intrinsic self-diffusivity) which make these ceramics excellent in high-temperature applications make their processing and densification extremely difficult, requiring high temperatures and pressures.
Project Information
This project will focus on the development, and assessment of single and multiphase UHTCs (e.g. HfB2, ZrB2, HfC) as these materials have application in the next generation fission/fusion energy-generating systems, space and defence applications. The proposed PhD project will first aim to address a number of high-level challenges associated with fabrication of UHTCs such as the effect of various second-phase additives/aids (SiC, C, B4C, MoSi2, etc.) and processing routes (e.g. vacuum hot pressing/sintering, cold-pressing followed by pressureless sintering, hot isostatic pressing) on the densification, grain growth, and high-temperature strength.
Prepared UHTCs will be systematically characterized using various diffraction and microscopy techniques readily available at ANSTO to investigate the additives-processing-structure relationship. This will allow for a rapid modification and optimization of additives/processing with the view of obtaining functional microstructural characteristics of engineered UHTCs. Compounds that meet microstructural and density requirements will be subjected to further high-temperature testing taking advantage of various high-temperature facilities available at ANSTO and DSTG (Defence Science and Technology Group). For example, we will investigate the kinetics of the oxide layer formation on the surface of prepared UHTCs during an exposure to extreme temperatures in oxidising environments. The oxidation behaviour will be studied with respect to the composition, processing routes and microstructure to evaluate characteristics governing formation of protective oxide layer. In the final stage of the proposed project we will explore the scalability (upscaling) of the developed processing routes and near-net shape part production for industrial applications.
Funding And Support
This project is jointly supported by DSTG and ANSTO via FutureNow Plus scholarship.
The successful PhD candidate is expected to work collaboratively across both institutions as well as a host university.
The student will receive a full FutureNow PhD scholarship of $35k/year, or a combination of $15k/year top-up and the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) stipend scholarship.
Additional funding of $10k/year from ANSTO's FutureNow Plus is available for travel and consumables of the project.
Application Details
A background in materials science, chemistry, physics or engineering is welcome.
We value diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply, however, this program is open to Australian citizens only.
Hiring criteria
- No experience required
- Engineering & Mathematics +more
- Bachelor or higher
Reviews
Project management, mechanical design, document reviews, inspection of mechanical systems, reading technical drawings, liaising with contractors and suppliers
Research scientist, running experiments, preparing samples for analysis by specialist facilities on site, data analysis, reading literature, potentially writing papers
As someone very new to my role, i undertake a lot of lab work under the direct supervision of my supervisor. he and i work together as a team in the lab. outside of the lab, as i am still learning about the area, i am writing a literature review with the goal of increasing my understanding and perhaps publication.
About the employer
ANSTO
4.1
1,000 - 50,000 employees
Government & Public Service
To find solutions ANSTO operates much of Australia’s landmark infrastructure including one of the world’s most modern nuclear research reactors, OPAL.
Pros and cons of working at ANSTO
Pros
A lot of training opportunities and good pay for a graduate position. Great support and team culture. I have had good opportunities to get involved with events and projects.
Flexibility, technological and research infrastructure, high level of responsibility
Great research facilities, good work-life balance and flexibility, good amount of responsibility
The unique science and engineering challenges. it is a really great place to learn about a whole load of different industries and really expand your skills.
Diverse company with many different opportunities
Cons
Being government the work pace can be a bit slow at times.
The location is far away from almost everything, commute to work is tedious.
Being home to a nuclear reactor, the location of ANSTO is quite far away from the centre of Sydney and there are limited options for getting to work through public transport.
As with any big organisation, there are some bureaucratic-type challenges, but these are constantly improving.
Some days are very paperwork/documentation-based. few ongoing roles for scientific staff. higher-level management appears to be gutting the research out of the organisation.