Applications are open for 1 (one) Scientific Initiation Studentships, within the framework of project PEP 1018P.05859.1.09.07, IPFN BASICO 2025-2029, financed by national funds through FCT/MCTES (PIDDAC

Workplan: The present work focuses on the investigation of the behavior of single-crystal niobium (Nb) when exposed to irradiation with helium (He) and hydrogen (H) ions, a topic of great relevance for the development of structural materials in fission and fusion nuclear reactors. Prolonged exposure of these metals to intense neutron radiation can lead to the formation of defects, particularly He bubbles, which contribute to material swelling and embrittlement, ultimately compromising their structural integrity.

To better understand this phenomenon, Nb samples will be irradiated with He and He+H ions at different fluences (low, moderate, and high). The characterization of defects will be carried out using various experimental techniques. Out-of-plane strain will be analyzed through High-Resolution X-Ray Diffraction (HRXRD), in combination with MROX simulations. The presence and morphology of He bubbles will be evaluated using Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry/Channeling (RBS/C) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Additionally, nanoindentation tests will be conducted to study the evolution of defects and their impact on the material’s mechanical properties.

The main objective of this study is to contribute to the understanding of the effects of ion irradiation on metals considered for nuclear applications, enabling the prediction and mitigation of structural degradation over time. The relevance of this work to the academic training of the scholarship holder lies in the practical application of advanced material characterization methods and the development of essential skills for scientific research in materials engineering and applied physics. Moreover, the results obtained may have direct implications for the design of more resilient materials for future fusion facilities, contributing to technological innovation in this field.

Duration: The research fellowship(s) will have the duration of 3 months (renewable more 3 months). It’s expected to begin in June 2025.

It is mandatory to formalize applications with the submission of the following documents: i) B1 Form – Fellowship application (https://ist-id.pt/concursos/bolsas/); ii) Curriculum Vitae; iii) academic degree certificate, where applicable; iv) proof of enrollment at an academic degree course or at a course that does not award an academic degree; v) motivation letter; vi) declaration on honour that the applicant does not exceed with this contract, including the possible renovations, an accumulated period of one year in this type of studentship, continuously or with interruptions, and has not held any other fellowship directly or indirectly funded by FCT. 

Applications must be submitted to the email: bolsas@drh.tecnico.ulisboa.pt