Postgraduate research opportunities Inspection of nuclear fusion components in high temperature using laser induced ultrasound phase arrays

This PhD project will face the challenges of ultrasonic imaging of nuclear fusion components using lasers to generate and detect ultrasound, remotely and in a series of environmental conditions with respect to temperature for the first time. The aim of the PhD will be to identify the capabilities and limitations of laser ultrasonic imaging of fusion relevant components in high temperatures.

Fusion research and development is prominent in the current global quest for low carbon energy and Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) is the key to deliver commercially viable and safe fusion energy to society. The tokamak route to a fusion power plant promises efficient and safe operation, therefore, NDE is an essential requirement. Ultrasound is a widely used imaging modality that allows inspection of non-transparent structures. An ultrasound technique must be compatible with the environment encountered in a tokamak power plant including high temperatures. However, the extreme environment of fusion (high temperature, ionizing radiation) makes the use of conventional transducer-based ultrasonic probes impossible. Optical based techniques are best suited for such extreme environments and laser induced ultrasound phased arrays (LIPAs) provide high quality ultrasonic imaging remotely and couplant-free. Although laser ultrasound for measurements in a high temperature environment has been shown through applications in metallurgy (e.g. in process measurements in hot steel strip mills) the potential for advanced ultrasonic techniques for ultrasonic imaging at high temperatures remains to be shown.  

The aim of the PhD will be to identify the capabilities and limitations of laser ultrasonic imaging of fusion relevant components in high temperatures.

The PhD project will:

• investigate possible data acquisition strategies including ultrasonic array designs for efficient imaging in high temperature.
• develop ultrasonic imaging algorithms with temperature corrections for successful 2D and 3D ultrasonic imaging.
• explore hardware considerations for deployment in high temperature

This project is highly interdisciplinary, with the inclusive supervision team based at the Centre of Ultrasonic Engineering of the Department of Electronic & Electrical Engineering in the University of Strathclyde and the Remote Applications in Challenging Environments (RACE) robotics facility in the UKAEA. The PhD project activities include elements from signal processing, ultrasonics, optics and materials and will equip the candidate with cutting-edge and highly desirable experimental and analysis techniques. Therefore this PhD will suit a multi-skilled person with engineering, physics or materials background. One major advantage would be a strong interest or experience in experimental, hands-on projects. During the PhD, the student will become a member of a dynamic, supportive and collaborative research team within Strathclyde’s Centre for Ultrasonic Engineering.  

About the UKAEA and RACE:

As the UK’s national fusion lab, the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA)’s mission is to lead the commercial development of fusion power and related technology, and to position the UK as a leader in sustainable fusion energy.

The UKAEA has until recently operated the JET tokamak on behalf of European partners and is now starting to decommission the device. UKAEA also operates the UK’s own MAST Upgrade fusion experiment and leads the STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) programme, which aims to design and build a demonstration fusion powerplant by the early 2040s.

RACE is a business unit of UKAEA , specifically focussing on developing remote and robotic systems to carry out tasks in hazardous and extreme environments. For future fusion power plants this capability is device defining and critical to commercial viability, where remote and robotic operation and inspection over long periods of time is essential. RACE also works with academia and industry on bringing remote maintenance technology into other sectors such as decommissioning and space.