Course Details in 2025/26 Session

Module Title	LM Irradiation Materials Science
School	Metallurgy and Materials
Department	Metallurgy & Materials
Module Code	04 27866
Module Lead	Dr Sandy Knowles/ Dr Biao Cai
Level	Masters Level
Credits	10
Semester	Semester 2
Pre-requisites	Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Alloys and Applications - (04 22388) Environmental Degradation of Materials - (04 26593)
Co-requisites
Restrictions	None
Contact Hours	Lecture-20 hours Guided independent study-80 hours Total: 100 hours
Exclusions
Description	The purpose of this module is to provide a foundation for understanding the theory and mechanism behind the effects of irradiation on structural materials and fuel. The module will be divided into two parts: Part A focuses on the radiation damage process and provides the formalism for the prediction of the amount and spatial configuration of the damage produced by bombarding particles. Part B focuses on the physical and mechanical effects of radiation damage on materials. These link to the following topics in the 2017 QAA Materials Subject Benchmark Statement: iv mechanical behaviour - elastic and plastic deformation, creep and fatigue, fracture, strengthening, toughening and stiffening mechanisms vi structural characterisation - optical and electron microscopy techniques, electron and X-ray diffraction, scanning probe techniques, thermal analysis vii compositional analysis - spectroscopic methods (electron/X-ray probe/ infra-red/ultra-violet techniques), chemical analysis vi computational simulation of materials across the length-scales and corresponding time-scales, from atomistic (classical and quantum) to finite elements. xi materials design - compositional variation and processing to achieve required microstructures, and hence properties xii materials selection - consideration of all material types, materials processing methods, and product costs xiii degradation/durability of materials - effect of environment upon performance, corrosion, wear, and biodegradation
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: Discuss the interaction between particles that result in the transfer of energy from the incident particle to the target atom and subsequent collisions; Demonstrate and analyse the resulting defects after irradiation; Explain and discuss: radiation induced segregation; the nucleation and growth of dislocation loops and voids; phase stability; Summarise the application of ion irradiation to simulate the effects of neutron irradiation; Review critically the effect of irradiation on mechanical properties and corrosion, including: crack nucleation and propagation; creep deformation and growth; and corrosion and environmentally assisted cracking; These link to the AHEP v4 learning outcomes Apply knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems. Some of the knowledge will be at the forefront of the particular subject of study (C1) Use a risk management process to identify, evaluate and mitigate risks (the effects of uncertainty) associated with a particular project or activity (C9/M9) Adopt a holistic and proportionate approach to the mitigation of security risks (C10/M10) Use practical laboratory and workshop skills to investigate complex problems (C12/M12) Select and apply appropriate materials, equipment, engineering technologies and processes, recognising their limitations (C13/M13) Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems. Much of the knowledge will be at the forefront of the particular subject of study and informed by a critical awareness of new developments and the wider context of engineering (M1)
Assessment	27866-01 : Exam : Exam (Centrally Timetabled) - Written Unseen (50%) 27866-02 : Coursework : Coursework (50%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Two hour written exam (50%), coursework (50%)
Other	None
Reading List