Studentische Hilfskraft (m/w/d) - Surface Optimization and Coating of Uranium Silicide Fuel Samples

07.01.2025, Studentische Hilfskräfte, Praktikantenstellen, Studienarbeiten

The research working group "High Density Nuclear Fuels" at the FRM II is at the forefront of studying high-density nuclear fuels for conversion of research reactors. The most promising candidate LEU fuels for conversion of research reactors are metallic uranium-molybdenum alloy fuel (U-Mo) and high-density uranium silicide (U3Si2), both utilizing aluminum-based cladding. This project focuses on preparing uranium silicide fuel samples for future irradiation experiments. Uranium silicide is a brittle material that fractures easily under minimal force, necessitating careful handling and precise preparation. Your tasks: You will be optimizing uranium silicide samples through advanced polishing techniques to remove contaminations or oxide layers and achieve a smooth and clean surface. Subsequently, you will prepare Al coating on them using Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD). Comprehensive characterization of the samples will be conducted using optical and electron microscopy to assess surface morphology and coating quality. Your skills: You should have fundamental knowledge of materials science and microscopy techniques, and are currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in physics, engineering, materials science or a related scientific discipline.

The research working group "High-Density Nuclear Fuels" at the FRM II is at the forefront of studying high-density nuclear fuels for conversion of research reactors. The most promising candidate LEU fuels for conversion of research reactors are metallic uranium-molybdenum alloy fuel (U-Mo) and high-density uranium silicide (U3Si2), both utilizing aluminum-based cladding. This project focuses on preparing uranium silicide fuel samples for future irradiation experiments. Uranium silicide is a brittle material that fractures easily under minimal force, necessitating careful handling and precise preparation.

Your tasks:
You will be optimizing uranium silicide samples through advanced polishing techniques to remove contaminations or oxide layers and achieve a smooth and clean surface. Subsequently, you will prepare Al coating on them using Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD). Comprehensive characterization of the samples will be conducted using optical and electron microscopy to assess surface morphology and coating quality.

Your skills:
You should have fundamental knowledge of materials science and microscopy techniques, and are currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in physics, engineering, materials science or a related scientific discipline.

Kontakt: Jingyi.Shi@frm2.tu-muenchen.de