Summary
My research group develops advanced materials for next-generation nuclear technologies, such as spherical tokamak nuclear reactors. These reactors require high performance radiation shielding materials and high temperature structural materials to be developed.
The group aims to improve our understanding of the degradation of such materials in extreme environments including thermal-mechanical stresses, corrosion, and irradiation damage. We also use this understanding to optimise the processing and microstructure of these materials for enhanced performance. Our research spans refractory metals, structural ceramics, and their associated composites.
I supervise 3 PhD students and 2-3 Masters-level projects per year. I work with industry in the nuclear energy and manufacturing sectors including Tokamak Energy, Plansee, SECO tools, Tosoh SMD and Hyperion M&T.
More information at my research group website
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Materials degradation in extreme environments: (i) the mechanics of materials at high temperature; (ii) oxidation processes simulating reactor accident scenarios; and (iii) irradiation damage characterisation using micromechanics and microscopy.
Processing and microstructural optimisation: (i) metal-ceramic composites for damage tolerance; (ii) oxidation resistant coatings; and (iii) texture engineering and grain size control.
BIOGRAPHY
-present: Imperial College Research Fellow, Department of Materials, Imperial College London
-2017: PDRA, Department of Materials, Imperial College London
-2014: PhD, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
-2009: MEng, Department of Materials, University of Oxford
Selected Publications
Journal Articles
Humphry-Baker SA, Garroni S, Delogu F, et al., 2016, Melt-driven mechanochemical phase transformations in moderately exothermic powder mixtures, Nature Materials, Vol:15, ISSN:1476-1122, Pages:1280-1286