Oliver Buxton
PhD Student - University of Manchester
Project Title: The Effect of Loading-Induced Hydride Phase Transition on the Mechanical Properties of Zirconium
Oliver Buxton completed an MEng at Heriot Watt University, before working for several years as a Field Engineer in the Oil and Gas industry. Oliver’s PhD project is sponsored by EDF and looks into how Zirconium Hydrides affect the properties of Zirconium.
Zirconium’s use as a key structural material in nuclear power plants is due to its desirable mechanical and non-corrosive properties. Unfortunately, during its in-reactor lifetime, it can absorb hydrogen generated by the corrosion of the metal in the surrounding water, and this interatomic hydrogen bonds with zirconium atoms to form hydrides, a crystal-like structure, within the metal which degrades its strength and other useful properties.
Recent SXRD studies have shown unusual behaviour of the hydrides during tests performed while pulling samples in tension. The results show that the hydrides “stretch” far more than the surrounding material which goes against the current understanding that the hydrides are more brittle and prone to cracking. Oliver’s project aims to understand why this is seen, and to determine how it affects the overall properties of the material.
“Returning to academia has been really nice. It’s a rewarding and friendly environment, with so many opportunities to access interesting and exciting research, and work with equally interesting and exciting people.”