PhD study on Material Interactions affecting Quench Training in Nb3Sn type of Rutherford Cables used in high-field Superconducting Accelerator Magnets
In the Energy, Materials and Systems (EMS) group at the University of Twente in Enschede, The Netherlands (https://www.utwente.nl/en/tnw/ems/), the research is application-oriented and focused on cryogenics and high-current superconductivity, in particular on materials, cables and magnets for energy applications, fusion and advanced particle accelerators.
The next generation of high-field Nb3Sn type of accelerator magnets is being developed for application in the Future Circular and Muon Colliders in coherence with CERN and the European Strategy for Particle Physics (but also highly relevant for medical accelerators and beam lines for proton therapy). These machines require in-depth understanding followed by a drastic reduction or elimination of magnet training and retraining after thermal cycling causing loss of collision energy and reduced physics discovery potential.
The goal of the PhD project is to study the origin of training behavior and to cure it with tailored material solutions. So far studied were only classical, obvious solutions, mostly known from NbTi and early Nb3Sn magnet developments. New, tailored material combinations are being studied to gain deeper understanding of their influence on training in Nb3Sn conductors and coil windings. New, smart, small-scale and targeted experiments are to be developed and conducted. The work is performed on a multilevel platform, encompassing new or customized materials for cable to magnet structure interfaces, cable insulation and Nb3Sn Rutherford cable architecture.
In this project, the University of Twente is working in a tight collaboration with PSI in Villigen supported by ETH Zurich. ETH Zurich is studying properties of classical and emerging composite materials. At PSI, samples of novel composite materials are designed and prepared, and a major simulation effort is undertaken as well. At the University of Twente, the cryogenic experiments at liquid helium temperature and in high-magnetic field facilities are carried out. The work also includes microscopic analyses of the material interfaces as well as characterization and engineering of composite materials. The long-term and high-level of expertise on superconductivity allows for performing effective design and targeted experiments as well as simulations in the combined electromagnetic, mechanical and thermal domains.
Contact us if you are interested in this research and would like to join our team for an exciting and challenging PhD project. Working on this project means you will contribute to better performing high-field magnets in future accelerators. We are looking forward to receiving your application!
For this ambitious project, we are inviting well-motivated candidates with excellent academic skills to apply. A Master's degree in physics, material science or engineering is recommended. Relevant ‘hands-on’ experience in laboratory, signal and data processing, and interest or experience in modelling are considered highly advantageous. Good communication skills in the English language, verbally and in writing are required.
For more information, see the group’s website: utwente.nl/ems or email to Dr. Ir. Anna Kario. Your application has to include a specific motivation letter and a detailed CV. The project is ready to start.