PhD Student: Crack arrest toughness evaluation with standard and sub-sized specimens on unirradiated and neutron irradiated ferritic steel for nuclear applications

The Paul Scherrer Institute PSI is the largest research institute for natural and engineering sciences within Switzerland. We perform cutting-edge research in the fields of matter and materials, energy and environment and human health. By performing fundamental and applied research, we work on sustainable solutions for major challenges facing society, science and economy. PSI is committed to the training of future generations. Therefore, about one quarter of our staff are post-docs, post-graduates or apprentices. Altogether, PSI employs 2300 people. 

The structural integrity group investigates the influence of material ageing phenomena on the lifetime and structural integrity of nuclear power plant components. In order to strengthening our fatigue research activities, we are looking for a

• PhD thesis on arrest toughness in the ductile to brittle transition region of unirradiated and irradiated ferritic steels for nuclear applications 
• Development of innovative techniques to measure arrest toughness in ferritic steels using standard and sub-sized specimens
• Fractographic observations to analyze crack path, and arrest locations 
• Modeling of static and dynamic crack arrest conditions with finite element simulations 
• Supervision of semester students and/or internships 
• Publication of results in scientific journals and at international conferences