Additional Contact Information
Email: s.middleburgh@bangor.ac.uk
Postgraduate Project Opportunities
We are always looking for exceptional candidates for PhD positions in the Nuclear Futures Institute. If you are interested in any of the following projects, please contact me.
- Novel nuclear fuel manufacture and in-reactor behaviour.
- Corrosion of materials within the nuclear environment.
- Materials for space and other extreme environments.
- Fusion materials development.
- Advanced glasses and amorphous systems.
- Nuclear forensics.
Publications
2024
- PublishedAssessing Li accommodation at amorphous ZrO2 grain boundaries
Stephens, G. F., London, I., Ghardi, M., Fraile, A., Rushton, M., Lee, B., Cole-Baker, A. & Middleburgh, S., 1 Jan 2024, In: Journal of Nuclear Materials. 154780.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedBreeder blanker for nuclear fusion reactor
Middleburgh, S. (Inventor), 9 Jan 2024, Patent No. US11869677B2
Research output: Patent - PublishedDevelopment of Kernel Fuels for High Temperature Gas Reactor and Space Systems
Middleburgh, S., Makurunje, P., Mohun, R., Goddard, D., Stephens, G. F., Callaghan, J. & Lee, B., 8 Oct 2024.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Abstract › peer-review - E-pub ahead of printEnhanced radiation damage tolerance in Zr-doped UO2
Mohun, R., Middleburgh, S., Thomas, P. J. & Corkhill, C., 1 Dec 2024, In: Materialia. 38, 102226.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - E-pub ahead of printFirst-principles study of lithium aluminosilicate glass scintillators
Ghardi, E., Scrimshire, A., Smith, R., Bingham, P., Middleburgh, S., Lee, W. & Rushton, M., 30 Jan 2024, (E-pub ahead of print) In: Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics. 26, 7, p. 6138-6147 10 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - E-pub ahead of printHydrogen desorption kinetics of hafnium hydride powders
Pollard, J., Dumain, A., Stratton, B., Irukuvarghula, S., Astbury, J., Middleburgh, S., Giuliani, F. & Humphry-Baker, S. A., 6 Nov 2024, (E-pub ahead of print) In: Journal of Nuclear Materials. 155499.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedLithium stabilization of amorphous ZrO2
Stephens, G. F., Wilson, J., Curling, S., He, G., Thomas, P. J., Williams, D., Ortner, S., Grovenor, C., Rushton, M., Cole-Baker, A. & Middleburgh, S., 6 May 2024, In: Progress in Nuclear Energy. 171, 105165.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedOn the design of a composite hydride-metal to accommodate hydride decomposition
Middleburgh, S. (Inventor), 15 Feb 2024, Patent No. US20240055145A1
Research output: Patent - PublishedShifting to a 36-month fuel cycle with advanced moderating burnable absorbers enabling high assay low enriched uranium (HALEU)
Bolukbasi, M., Middleburgh, S., Vrtiska, S. & Lee, B., 1 Mar 2024, In: Progress in Nuclear Energy. 105011.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - E-pub ahead of printTi-Zr-Nb-(V) refractory alloy coatings deposited by high-power impulse magnetron sputtering: Structure, mechanical properties, oxidation resistance, and thermal stability
Fraile, A., Cavaleiro, D., Bondarev, A., Middleburgh, S., Lee, B. & Fernandes, F., 1 Dec 2024, In: Journal of Vacuum Science and Technology A. 42, 6
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
2023
- PublishedAddressing high processing temperatures in reactive melt infiltration for multiphase ceramic composites
Makurunje, P., Middleburgh, S. & Lee, B., 1 Feb 2023, In: Journal of the European Ceramic Society. 43, 2, p. 283-197
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedAssessing the high concentration of vacancies in refractory high entropy alloys
Wilson, J. A., Moore, C., Goddard, D. T. & Middleburgh, S. C., 1 May 2023, In: Materialia. 28, 101764.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedCreating Functional Digital Shadows of X-ray systems
Mitchell, I., Vidal, F., Middleburgh, S., Garbout, A., Buffière, J.-Y. & Letang, J. M., Oct 2023.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Abstract › peer-review - PublishedDiffusion in undoped and Cr-doped amorphous UO2
Owen, M., Cooper, M. W. D., Rushton, M., Claisse, A., Lee, B. & Middleburgh, S., 1 Apr 2023, In: Journal of Nuclear Materials. 576, 154270.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedEnrichment of Chromium at Grain Boundaries in Chromia Doped UO2
Middleburgh, S., Dumbill, S., Qaisar, A., Vatter, I., Owen, M., Vallely, S., Goddard, D., Eaves, D., Puide, M., Limback, M. & Lee, B., Mar 2023, In: Journal of Nuclear Materials. 575, 154250.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedIn-reactor behaviour and economic assessment of enriched gadolinia burnable absorbers
Bolukbasi, M., Middleburgh, S. & Lee, B., Oct 2023, In: Progress in Nuclear Energy. 164, 104873.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedLayered neutron shielding
Middleburgh, S. (Inventor), 26 Jan 2023, Patent No. US20230025227A1
Research output: Patent - PublishedModelling the impact of configurational entropy on the stability of amorphous SiO2
Owen, M., Rushton, M., Cooper, M. W., Ghardi, M., Claisse, A., Lee, B. & Middleburgh, S., 1 Aug 2023, In: Scripta Materialia. 233, 115507.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedThe oxidation of uranium diboride in flowing air atmospheres
Mistarihi, Q., Martini, F., Buckley, J., Middleburgh, S., Abram, T. & Turner, J., 1 Jul 2023, In: Journal of Nuclear Materials. 154417.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedUnderstanding the Mechanistic Role of Lithium in Accelerated Corrosion of Zirconium Alloys Using Advanced Characterization and Atomistic Simulation
Garner, A., Gillen, C., Stephens, G. F., Styman, P., Armson, S., Jacqueline, R., Liu, J., Carruthers, A., Pickering, F., Sherry, S., ChoenMay, C., Fenwick, M., Hulme, H., Ortner, S., Riley, C., Grovenor, C., Frankel, P., Middleburgh, S. & Cole-Baker, A., 1 Nov 2023, p. 356-386. 31 p.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper › peer-review
2022
- PublishedCoated ZrN sphere-UO2 composites as surrogates for UN-UO2 accident tolerant fuels
Costa, D. R., Hedberg, M., Adorno-Lopez, D., Delmas, M., Middleburgh, S., Wallenius, J. & Olsson, P., 15 Aug 2022, In: Journal of Nuclear Materials. 567, 153845.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedDefect Behaviour in the MoNbTaVW High Entropy Alloy (HEA)
Lin-Vines, A., Wilson, J., Fraile, A., Evitts, L. J., Rushton, M., Astbury, J., Lee, W. E. & Middleburgh, S. C., Sept 2022, In: Results In Materials. 15, 100320.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Letter › peer-review - PublishedEffect of ZrB2 and UB2 Discrete Burnable Absorber Pins on Fuel Reactivity
Bolukbasi, M., Middleburgh, S., Vrtiska, S. & Lee, B., 1 Aug 2022, In: Progress in Nuclear Energy. 150, 104295.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedFuel pellet
Middleburgh, S. (Inventor), 17 May 2022, Patent No. US11335468B2
Research output: Patent - PublishedHydrogen Accommodation in the TiZrNbHfTa High Entropy Alloy
Moore, C., Wilson, J., Rushton, M., Lee, B., Astbury, J. & Middleburgh, S., 1 May 2022, In: Acta Materialia. 229, 117832.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedInterface interactions in UN-X-UO2 systems (X = V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo, W) by pressure-assisted diffusion experiments at 1773 K
Costa, D. R., Liu, H., Adorno-Lopez, D., Middleburgh, S., Wallenius, J. & Olsson, P., 1 Apr 2022, In: Journal of Nuclear Materials. 561, 153554.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedNuclear fuel pellet, a fuel rod, and a fuel assembly
Middleburgh, S. (Inventor), 27 Sept 2022, Patent No. US11456083B2
Research output: Patent - PublishedPredicting the thermal expansion of body-centred cubic (BCC) high entropy alloys in the Mo-Nb-Ta-Ti-W system
Wilson, J., Evitts, L. J., Fraile, A., Wilson, R., Rushton, M., Goddard, D., Lee, B. & Middleburgh, S., 1 Jul 2022, In: Journal of Physics: Energy. 4, 3, 034002.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedSelf-contained dual-scale composite architectures in spray dried zirconium diboride
Makurunje, P., Woodhouse, G., Goddard, D. & Middleburgh, S., 15 Jun 2022, In: Ceramics International. 48, 12, p. 17529-17538
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
2021
- PublishedAccommodation and Diffusion of Nd in Uranium Silicide - U3Si2
Liu, H., Messina, L., Claisse, A., Middleburgh, S., Schuler, T. & Olsson, P., 15 Apr 2021, In: Journal of Nuclear Materials. 547, 152794.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedDiffusion in doped and undoped amorphous zirconia
Owen, M., Rushton, M., Evitts, L. J., Claisse, A., Puide, M., Lee, B. & Middleburgh, S., Nov 2021, In: Journal of Nuclear Materials. 555, 153108.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedHigh-Entropy Alloys for Advanced Nuclear Applications
Pickering, E., Carruthers, A., Barron, P., Middleburgh, S., Armstrong, D. & Gandy, A., 11 Jan 2021, In: Entropy. 23, 1, 98.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedIn-situ TEM investigation of nano-scale helium bubble evolution in tantalum-doped tungsten at 800 °C
Ipatova, I., Greaves, G., Pacheco-Gutiérrez, S., Middleburgh, S., Rushton, M. & Jimenez-Melero, E., 1 Jul 2021, In: Journal of Nuclear Materials. 550, 152910.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedInterface properties of Ti3SiC2/Al2O3 ceramics: Combined experiments and first-principles calculations
Ji, J., Yu, J., Lee, B., Middleburgh, S., Li, D., Wang, X., Li, Q., Wang, Z., Shi, G., Chen, F. & Zhang, L., 1 Mar 2021, In: Ceramics International. 47, 5, p. 6409-6417
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedLithium Accomodation in ZrO2
Stephens, G. F., Evitts, L. J., Rushton, M., Lee, B., Middleburgh, S., Than, Y. R., Cole-Baker, A., Neilson, W., Murphy, S., Wenman, M. R., Grimes, R. W., Gotham, N. & Ortner, S., 29 Oct 2021, ENS TopFuel 2021 Conference proceedings. ENS TopFuel
Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution › peer-review - PublishedOxidation of UN-U2N3/UO2 composites: an evaluation of UO2 as an oxidation barrier for the nitride phases
Costa, D. R., Hedberg, M., Middleburgh, S., Wallenius, J., Olsson, P. & Lopes, D. A., Feb 2021, In: Journal of Nuclear Materials. 544, 152700.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedPerformance and economic assessment of enriched gadolinia burnable absorbers
Bolukbasi, M., Middleburgh, S., Dahlfors, M. & Lee, B., Jul 2021, In: Progress in Nuclear Energy. 137, 103752.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedStructure and properties of amorphous uranium dioxide
Middleburgh, S., Lee, B. & Rushton, M., 1 Jan 2021, In: Acta Materialia. 202, p. 366-375
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedThe UK National Thermal-Hydraulics Facility: Motivations, Design and Planning Status
Dahlfors, M., Joannou, J., Brummitt, A., Rushton, M., Middleburgh, S. & Lee, B., 2021, EPJ Web of Conferences. EDP Sciences, Vol. 247. 11 p. 20006
Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution › peer-review - PublishedThe accommodation of lithium in bulk ZrO2
Stephens, G. F., Than, Y. R., Nelson, W., Evitts, L. J., Wenman, M., Murphy, S., Grimes, R. W., Cole-Baker, A., Ortner, S., Gotham, N., Rushton, M., Lee, B. & Middleburgh, S., 15 Dec 2021, In: Solid State Ionics. 373, 115813.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedThe future of medical radioisotope production in the UK: An introduction to nuclear medicine
Evitts, L. J., Pearce, F., Middleburgh, S., Rushton, M. & Lee, B., 1 Aug 2021, Nuclear Future, 17, 4, p. 18-20 3 p.
Research output: Contribution to specialist publication › Article - PublishedThe future of medical radioisotope production in the UK -- Part Two
Evitts, L. J., Pearce, F., Middleburgh, S., Rushton, M. & Lee, B., 1 Nov 2021, Nuclear Future, 17, 6, p. 17-19 3 p.
Research output: Contribution to specialist publication › Article - PublishedUltrafast femtosecond laser micro-marking of single-crystal natural diamond by two-lens focusing system
Joya, Y., Yan, B., James, K., Yue, L., Middleburgh, S. & Wang, J., Mar 2021, In: Materials Today Communications. 26, 7 p., 101800.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedUranium: what the explosion in prices means for the nuclear industry
Jones, E., Hemmings, D. & Middleburgh, S., 24 Sept 2021, The Conversation.
Research output: Contribution to specialist publication › Article - PublishedUtilizing neutronics modelling to predict changing Pu ratios in UO2 in the presence of Th
Evitts, L., Gilbert, M. R., Middleburgh, S., Lee, B. & Dahlfors, M., 1 Jul 2021, In: Progress in Nuclear Energy. 137, 103762.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
2020
- PublishedA cladding tube, and a method of manufacturing a cladding tube
Middleburgh, S. (Inventor), 22 Oct 2020, Patent No. US20200335231A1
Research output: Patent - PublishedA high density composite fuel with integrated burnable absorber: U3Si2-UB2
Turner, J., Middleburgh, S. & Abram, T., 1 Feb 2020, In: Journal of Nuclear Materials. 529, 151891.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedA tubular ceramic component suitable for being used in a nuclear reactor
Middleburgh, S. (Inventor), 26 Nov 2020, Patent No. US20200373022A1
Research output: Patent - PublishedEvidence of excess oxygen accommodation in yttria partially-stabilized zirconia
Middleburgh, S. C., Ipatova, I., Evitts, L. J., Rushton, M. J. D., Assinder, B., Grimes, R. W. & Lee, W. E., 15 Jan 2020, In: Scripta Materialia. 175, p. 7-10
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedInfluence of boron isotope ratio on the thermal conductivity of uranium diboride (UB2) and zirconium diboride (ZrB2)
Evitts, L., Middleburgh, S., Kardoulaki, E., Ipatova, I., Rushton, M. & Lee, B., Jan 2020, In: Journal of Nuclear Materials. 528, 151892.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedIon beam irradiation of ABO4 compounds with the fergusonite, monazite, scheelite, and zircon structures
De Los Reyes, M., Aughterson, R., Gregg, D., Middleburgh, S., Zaluzec, N., Huai, P., Ren, C. & Lumpkin, G., Oct 2020, In: Journal of American Ceramic Society. 103, 10, p. 5502-5514
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedPhase Equilibria and Thermochemistry of Advanced Fuels: Modeling Burnup Behavior: Technical Report
Besmann, T. M., McMurray, J., Nelson, A., White, J., Lahoda, E., Middleburgh, S., Claisse, A., Ulrich, T., Johnson, K., Kocevski, V., Adorno-Lopez, D. & Vogel, S., 31 Mar 2020, University of South Carolina Press.
Research output: Book/Report › Commissioned report - PublishedShort communication on further elucidating the structure of amorphous U2O7 by extended X-ray absorption spectroscopy and DFT simulations
Thompson, N., Middleburgh, S., Evitts, L., Gilbert, M., Sennett, M. & Hyatt, N., 15 Dec 2020, In: Journal of Nuclear Materials. 542, 152476.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedSynthesis of Candidate Advanced Technology Fuel: Uranium Diboride (UB2) via Carbo/Borothermic Reduction of UO2
Turner, J., Martini, F., Buckley, J., Phillips, G., Middleburgh, S. & Abram, T., Nov 2020, In: Journal of Nuclear Materials. 540, 1252388.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedThe Stability of Irradiation-Induced Defects in Zr3AlC2, Nb4AlC3 and (Zr0.5,Ti0.5)3AlC2 MAX Phase-Based Ceramics
Bowden, D., Ward, J., Middleburgh, S., de Moraes Shubeita, S., Zapata-Solvas, E., Lapauw, T., Vleugels, J., Lambrinou, K., Lee, B., Preuss, M. & Frankel, P., 15 Jan 2020, In: Acta Materialia. 183, p. 24-35
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedThermal conductivity variation in uranium dioxide with gadolinia additions
Qin, M., Middleburgh, S., Cooper, M. W. D., Rushton, M., Puide, M., Kuo, E. Y., Grimes, R. W. & Lumpkin, G. R., Nov 2020, In: Journal of Nuclear Materials. 540, 152258.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedUN microspheres embedded in UO2 matrix: an innovative accident tolerant fuel
Ribeiro Costa, D., Hedberg, M., Middleburgh, S., Wallenius, J., Olssen, P. & Lopes, D. A., Nov 2020, In: Journal of Nuclear Materials. 540, 152355.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
2019
- PublishedChoosing the correct strong correlation correction for U3Si2: influence of magnetism
Liu, H., Claisse, A., Middleburgh, S. & Olssen, P., 15 Dec 2019, In: Journal of Nuclear Materials. 527, 151828.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedDefect evolution in burnable absorber candidate material: Uranium diboride, UB2
Middleburgh, S., Burr, P. A., Kardoulaki, E. & Holmes, R., 1 Jan 2019, In: Journal of Nuclear Materials. 513, p. 45-55
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedDensity functional theory calculations of self- and Xe diffusion in U3Si2
Middleburgh, S., Andersson, D., Stanek, C., Claisse, A., Beeler, B. & Liu, X.-Y., Mar 2019, In: Journal of Nuclear Materials. 515, p. 312-325 14 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedExperimental and computational assessment of U Si N ternary phases
Lopes, D. A., Wilson, T. L., Kocevski, V., Moore, E. E., Besman, T. M., Wood, E. S., White, J. T., Nelson, A. T., Middleburgh, S. & Claisse, A., Apr 2019, In: Journal of Nuclear Materials. 516, April, p. 194-201
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedHigh temperature, low neutron cross-section highentropy alloys in the Nb-Ti-V-Zr system
King, D. J. M., Cheung, S. T. Y., Humphry-Baker, S. A., Parkin, C., Couet, A., Cortie, M. B., Lumpkin, G. R., Middleburgh, S. & Knowles, A. J., Mar 2019, In: Acta Materialia. 166, p. 435-446
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedSEALER-UK Deliverable 1: UK-BEIS Advanced Modular Reactor Competition - Phase 1
Middleburgh, S. & Wallenius, J., 14 Jan 2019, 127 p.
Research output: Book/Report › Commissioned report - PublishedStoichiometry deviation in amorphous zirconium dioxide
Rushton, M. J. D., Ipatova, I., Evitts, L. J., Lee, W. E. & Middleburgh, S. C., 28 May 2019, In: RSC Advances. 9, 29, p. 16320-16327
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedVoid evolution in tungsten and tungsten-5wt.% tantalum under in-situ proton irradiation at 800 and 1000°C
Ipatova, I., Harrison, R. W., Donnelly, S. E., Rushton, M. J. D., Middleburgh, S. C. & Jimenez-Melero, E., 1 Dec 2019, In: Journal of Nuclear Materials. 526, 151730.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
2018
- PublishedA ceramic nuclear fuel pellet, a fuel rod, and a fuel assembly
Middleburgh, S. (Inventor) & Hallstadius, L. (Inventor), 31 Oct 2018
Research output: Patent - PublishedA nuclear fuel pellet, a fuel rod, and a fuel assembly
Middleburgh, S. (Inventor) & Puide, M. (Inventor), 14 Nov 2018
Research output: Patent - PublishedA sintered nuclear fuel pellet, a fuel rod, a fuel assembly, and a method of manufacturing a sintered nuclear fuel pellet
Middleburgh, S. (Inventor), 22 Aug 2018
Research output: Patent - PublishedAnisotropy in the thermal expansion of uranium silicide measured by neutron diffraction
Obbard, E. G., Johnson, K. D., Burr, P. A., Lopes, D. A., Gregg, D. J., Liss, K.-D., Griffiths, G., Scales, N. & Middleburgh, S. C., 1 Sept 2018, In: Journal of Nuclear Materials. 508, p. 516-520
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedAnnular Nuclear Fuel Pellets with Discrete Burnable Absorber Pins
Middleburgh, S. (Inventor), 15 Nov 2018
Research output: Patent - PublishedCrystallographic evolution of MAX phases in proton irradiating environments
Ward, J., Middleburgh, S., Topping, M., Garner, A., Stewart, D., Barsoum, M. W., Preuss, M. & Frankel, P., 15 Apr 2018, In: Journal of Nuclear Materials. 502, p. 220-227 8 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedDensity functional theory study of the magnetic moment of solute Mn in bcc Fe
King, D. J. M., Middleburgh, S. C., Burr, P. A., Whiting, T. M., Fossati, P. C. & Wenman, M. R., 20 Jul 2018, In: Physical Review B . 98, 2, 024418.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedMethod to produce uranium silicides
Middleburgh, S. (Inventor) & Lahoda, E. (Inventor), 27 Dec 2018
Research output: Patent - PublishedSolution of hydrogen in accident tolerant fuel candidate material: U3Si2
Middleburgh, S. C., Claisse, A., Andersson, D. A., Grimes, R. W., Olsson, P. & Maskova, S., 1 Apr 2018, In: Journal of Nuclear Materials. 501, p. 234-237
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedThe formation and structure of Fe-Mn-Ni-Si solute clusters and G-phase precipitates in steels
King, D. J. M., Burr, P. A. & Middleburgh, S., 1 Jul 2018, In: Journal of Nuclear Materials. 505
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
2017
- PublishedFirst-principles study of defects and fission product behavior in uranium diboride
Jossou, E., Oladimeji, D., Malakkal, L., Middleburgh, S., Szpunar, B. & Szpunar, J., 1 Oct 2017, In: Journal of Nuclear Materials. 494, p. 147-156 10 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedSpark plasma sintering and microstructural analysis of pure and Mo doped U3Si2 pellets
Lopes, D. A., Benarosch, A., Middleburgh, S. & Johnson, K. D., 1 Dec 2017, In: Journal of Nuclear Materials. 496, p. 234-241 8 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
2016
- PublishedPhase equilibria in the U-Si system from first-principles calculations
Noordhoek, M. J., Besmann, T. M., Andersson, D., Middleburgh, S. C. & Chernatynskiy, A., 31 Oct 2016, In: Journal of Nuclear Materials. 479, p. 216-223 8 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedPredicting the formation and stability of single phase high-entropy alloys
King, D. J. M., Middleburgh, S. C., McGregor, A. G. & Cortie, M. B., 1 Feb 2016, In: Acta Materialia. 104, p. 172-179
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedSynthesis and DFT investigation of new bismuth-containing MAX phases
Horlait, D., Middleburgh, S. C., Chroneos, A. & Lee, W. E., 7 Jan 2016, In: Scientific Reports. 6
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
2015
- PublishedModelling the thermal conductivity of (UxTh1-x)O-2 and (UxPu1-x)O-2
Cooper, M. W. D., Middleburgh, S. C. & Grimes, R. W., Nov 2015, In: Journal of Nuclear Materials. 466, p. 29-35
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
2014
- PublishedNovel Chemical Synthesis and Characterization of CeTi2O6 Brannerite
Kong, L., Gregg, D. J., Karatchevtseva, I., Zhang, Z., Blackford, M. G., Middleburgh, S. C., Lumpkin, G. R. & Triani, G., 7 Jul 2014, In: Inorganic Chemistry. 53, 13, p. 6761-6768 8 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedPeroxide defect formation in zirconate perovskites
Middleburgh, S. C., Karatchevtseva, I., Kennedy, B. J., Burr, P. A., Zhang, Z., Reynolds, E., Grimes, R. W. & Lumpkin, G. R., 14 Oct 2014, In: Journal of Materials Chemistry A. 2, 38, p. 15883-15888
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedSegregation and migration of species in the CrCoFeNi high entropy alloy
Middleburgh, S. C., King, D. M., Lumpkin, G. R., Cortie, M. & Edwards, L., 25 Jun 2014, In: Journal of Alloys and Compounds. 599, p. 179-182
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedTheoretical and experimental Raman spectroscopic studies of synthetic thorutite (ThTi2O6)
Zhang, Y., Cejka, J., Karatchevtseva, I., Qin, M., Kong, L., Short, K., Middleburgh, S. C. & Lurnpkin, G. R., 31 Mar 2014, In: Journal of Nuclear Materials. 446, 1-3, p. 68-72 5 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedThermal conductivity and energetic recoils in UO2 using a many-body potential model
Qin, M. J., Cooper, M. W. D., Kuo, E. Y., Rushton, M. J. D., Grimes, R. W., Lumpkin, G. R. & Middleburgh, S. C., 10 Dec 2014, In: Journal of Physics: Condensed Matter. 26, 49
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
2013
- PublishedAccommodation of Excess Oxygen in Group II Monoxides
Middleburgh, S. C., Lagerlof, K. P. D. & Grimes, R. W., 1 Jan 2013, In: Journal of American Ceramic Society. 96, 1, p. 308-311 4 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedAccommodation, Accumulation, and Migration of Defects in Ti3SiC2 and Ti3AlC2 MAX Phases
Middleburgh, S. C., Lumpkin, G. R. & Riley, D., 1 Oct 2013, In: Journal of American Ceramic Society. 96, 10, p. 3196-3201 6 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedGradual Structural Evolution from Pyrochlore to Defect-Fluorite in Y2Sn2-xZrxO7: Average vs Local Structure
Zhang, Z., Middleburgh, S. C., de los Reyes, M., Lumpkin, G. R., Kennedy, B. J., Blanchard, P. E. R., Reynolds, E. & Jang, L.-Y., 19 Dec 2013, In: Journal of Physical Chemistry C. 117, 50, p. 26740-26749 10 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedRaman spectroscopic study of natural and synthetic brannerite
Zhang, Y., Karatchevtseva, I., Qin, M., Middleburgh, S. C. & Lumpkin, G. R., 1 Jun 2013, In: Journal of Nuclear Materials. 437, 1-3, p. 149-153 5 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedStructure, properties and formation of PuCrO3 and PuAlO3 of relevance to doped nuclear fuels
Fullarton, M. L., Qin, M. J., Robinson, M., Marks, N. A., King, D. J. M., Kuo, E. Y., Lumpkin, G. R. & Middleburgh, S. C., 2013, In: Journal of Materials Chemistry A. 1, 46, p. 14633-14640 8 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedThe incorporation of plutonium in lanthanum zirconate pyrochlore
Gregg, D. J., Zhang, Y., Middleburgh, S. C., Conradson, S. D., Triani, G., Lumpkin, G. R. & Vance, E. R., 1 Nov 2013, In: Journal of Nuclear Materials. 443, 1-3, p. 444-451 8 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
2011
- PublishedAtomic Scale Modeling of Point Defects in Zirconium Diboride
Middleburgh, S. C., Parfitt, D. C., Blair, P. R. & Grimes, R. W., 1 Jul 2011, In: Journal of American Ceramic Society. 94, 7, p. 2225-2229 5 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Activities
2024
- Investigating the mechanisms of grain growth additive incorporation and their effect on the radiation stability of UO2 fuels
24 Oct 2024
Activity: Oral presentation (Speaker) - Impact of Grain Size Variation of UO2 on Fission Gas Release
15 Oct 2024
Activity: Oral presentation (Speaker) - Thermal conductivity and degradation due to fission product accommodation in uranium nitride
15 Oct 2024
Activity: Oral presentation (Speaker) - Combining experiment and modelling to understand the manufacture and behaviour of next generation nuclear fuels
14 Oct 2024
Activity: Oral presentation (Speaker) - Interactions of yttria with lithium in fusion relevant environments
14 Oct 2024
Activity: Oral presentation (Speaker) - Sintering of chromia-doped UO2 studied by optical dilatometry
14 Oct 2024
Activity: Oral presentation (Speaker) - Structural integrity in composite materials prepared by reactive melt infiltration
14 Oct 2024
Activity: Oral presentation (Speaker) - Development of Kernel Fuels for High Temperature Gas Reactor and Space Systems
Invited presentation at MS&T 2024: Kernel fuels have emerged as promising candidates for high temperature gas reactors due to their robust nature and exceptional tolerance at elevated temperatures. Their potential application in space systems has attracted significant attention from developers. Collaborating with the NNL, Bangor University is engaged in the advancement of a diverse range of candidate fuel systems. Leveraging novel manufacturing techniques and state-of-the-art computer modeling, our research aims to optimize the performance of these fuels. One area of focus is the integration of burnable absorbers within the UO2 and UCO kernels themselves. Our investigation includes an exploration of phase segregation, variations in thermal conductivity, and the impact of processing parameters, all of which are crucial for enhancing fuel performance. Moreover, our efforts extend to the development of manufacturing methods, complemented by optical dilatometry and simultaneous thermal analysis. These techniques enable precise calibration of sintering parameters, facilitating the refinement of fuel properties and performance.
8 Oct 2024
Activity: Invited talk (Speaker)
2023
- BBC Future - The nuclear reactors that could power bases on the Moon
Scientific contribution to BBC Future feature
18 Apr 2023
Links:
Activity: Types of Public engagement and outreach - Media article or participation (Contributor)
2022
- BU-IIA Funded Project: Design and Synthesis of Novel High Entropy Alloy Coatings for extreme environments
Sustainability cannot be achieved without further improvement of existing technologies, or even better, with disruptive quantum leaps. Nuclear energy, both fission and fusion, in alliance with renewables, has a most important role to play towards the planet’s net zero CO2 goals. The challenging environments associated with next-generation nuclear reactors vary according to the reactor design and the components of interest, but involve extremes of temperature, radiation, corrosion, stress, and heat flux.
A new kind of materials -called High Entropy Alloys (HEAs)- represent a unique opportunity for the design of alloys for harsh conditions, such as advanced nuclear applications, or other applications where current materials fall short. Surface coating technology has brought new vitality to the development of HEAs, which relieves the restrictions of preparation and industrial application caused by the cost of bulk HEAs and enhances the possibility of rapid design for new materials.
Our project represents an integrative experimental/computational approach to develop a new generation of materials for nuclear reactors. We will study and design the new HEA coatings for extreme conditions of service, with minimal impact on the environment. The project links world-class research groups: i) Bangor University’s enhanced capabilities in advanced computational and experimental materials science and ii) University of Coimbra and Technical University Prague, worldwide recognized by the development/design and upscaling of coatings.
The project is one more step to established strategic research partnerships with top groups worldwide; we aspire to establish strategic research partnerships with industry to go further for a demonstrator project.
Funding awarded through the Bangor University Innovation and Impact Award (Research Wales Innovation Funding). Value = £50,000
1 Apr 2022 – 31 Mar 2023
Activity: Other (Contributor) - BBC Wales Drive Interview - Fusion Power
Discussed the latest advances in nuclear fusion.
9 Feb 2022
Activity: Types of Public engagement and outreach - Media article or participation (Contributor) - Progress in Nuclear Energy (Journal)
Progress in Nuclear Energy is an international review journal covering all aspects of nuclear science and engineering. In keeping with the maturity of nuclear power, articles on safety, siting and environmental problems are encouraged, as are those associated with economics and fuel management.
Editorship of a journal raises the profile of the researcher and the researcher's institution. It allows many people in the field, internationally, to be made aware of the good work underway within the group and university. Editorships are visible to the general public via the journal's website.
5 Jan 2022 →
Activity: Editorial activity (Editorial board member)
2021
- An Investigation of Helium Mobility and Bubble Formation in a Lattice-Damaged FCC Metal
PhD thesis
16 Nov 2021
Activity: Examination (Examiner) - Advanced Technology Fuel Accelerated Development at Bangor University
9 Nov 2021
Activity: Invited talk (Speaker) - Peridynamics Modelling of Weibull Distributions for Nuclear Fuel Fracture
PhD thesis
20 Oct 2021
Activity: Examination (Examiner) - NuFuel 2021
NuFuel is the pre-eminent European nuclear fuels conference and was hosted at Bangor University as a hybrid in-person/online event in September 2021.
13 Sep 2021 – 16 Sep 2021
Activity: Participation in Academic conference (Organiser)
2019
- Materials Research Society Fall Meeting and Exhibit
Symposium organiser for EN17—Structure–Property Processing Performance Relationships in Materials for Nuclear Technologies
1 Dec 2019 – 6 Dec 2019
Activity: Participation in Academic conference (Speaker) - UK India Civil Nuclear Scoping Workshop - EPSRC
30 Apr 2019 – 1 May 2019
Activity: Participation in Academic workshop, seminar, course (Speaker) - Materials research powering Wales’ nuclear ambitions
28 Apr 2019
Activity: Oral presentation (Speaker) - Mechanistic understanding of accident tolerant fuel candidate materials: accelerating research, development and licensing
Invited talk
25 Mar 2019 – 26 Mar 2019
Activity: Invited talk (Speaker) - Non-stoichiometry in monoclinic zirconia and amorphous zirconia
Oral presentation
10 Mar 2019 – 14 Mar 2019
Activity: Oral presentation (Speaker) - UK Japan Civil Nuclear Joint Research Meeting
4 Feb 2019 – 9 Feb 2019
Activity: Participation in Academic workshop, seminar, course (Speaker)
2018
- Journal of Nuclear Materials (Journal)
Outstanding reviewer status achieved
Jul 2018
Activity: Publication peer-review (Editorial board member) - UK-Japan Workshop: Nuclear Joint Research Collaboration
26 Mar 2018 – 28 Mar 2018
Activity: Participation in Academic workshop, seminar, course (Speaker)
Projects
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Oxford Sigma - Solid Breeder Material: Manufacturing demonstrators for solid breeder pebbles
01/08/2024 – 15/04/2025 (Active)
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Rolls-Royce National Space Innovation Programme: R&D for NSIP Fuel Development
01/07/2024 – 15/07/2025 (Active)
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NNL - Uranics Innovation Centre
01/05/2024 – 15/04/2025 (Active)
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01/02/2024 – 15/02/2025 (Active)
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NNL Coated Particle Fuel Project
01/01/2024 – 15/02/2025 (Active)
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Nuclear Energy Futures CDT 0.5 FTE PhD NAAREA funded
01/10/2023 – 15/10/2027 (Active)
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Jacobs 18 month PDRA: Novel fuel manufacture and performance
01/09/2023 – 15/03/2025 (Active)
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01/07/2023 – 15/04/2025 (Active)
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Uranium Based Kernel / Coated Particle Fuel: In-Process Recycling Methodology EDNS97040117855
01/04/2023 – 17/09/2024 (Finished)
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UKAEA Collaboration Agreement: Li-Impurities Collaboration
01/01/2023 – 30/04/2026 (Active)
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Understanding chemical reactions in impure liquid lithium in fusion-relevant environments
01/01/2023 – 31/01/2026 (Active)
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Advanced Fuel Cycle Programme – UO2 Doped Fuel Sintering Studies
01/11/2022 – 30/09/2023 (Finished)
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Sêr Cymru STEMM Research Equipment: ELEMENT XR HIGH RESOLUTION ICP-MS
01/11/2022 – 30/09/2023 (Finished)
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KESS II MRes with EDF Energy - BUK2E073
01/10/2022 – 31/03/2024 (Finished)
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Nuclear Forensics of Uranium Compounds
01/10/2022 – 31/10/2028 (Active)
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Bangor University Euratom PhD - SPH - NNL
01/09/2022 – 01/04/2026 (Active)
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01/07/2022 – 17/09/2024 (Finished)
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UK-India Phase 5 project - IDS Steels for fission
01/07/2022 – 30/07/2025 (Active)
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Bangor University hydride research programme for Tokamak Energy
01/04/2022 – 31/10/2025 (Active)
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Enhanced Methodologies for Advanced Nuclear System Safety (eMEANSS)
14/01/2022 – 31/01/2025 (Active)
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AFCP (Fast Reactor Fuels) Extension Project
01/12/2021 – 01/08/2022 (Finished)
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Micro-NOVA - A novel compact neutron source for medical and energy applications.
01/12/2021 – 29/12/2023 (Finished)
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Virtual Centre for the Application of Nuclear Systems in Space (VULCANS)
01/12/2021 – 01/08/2022 (Finished)
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NEBULASS – Nuclear Energy for a Bangor University Lunar And Space System
01/11/2021 – 17/09/2024 (Finished)
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Jacobs Nuclear Fuel for Marine Power Review
01/10/2021 – 01/08/2022 (Finished)
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NNUF2a - Bangor University Fuel Fabrication Facility (BUFFF)
01/10/2021 – 12/10/2023 (Finished)
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01/08/2021 – 17/09/2024 (Finished)
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Modelling TC and TCD of UN-based alloys (PhD studentship)
01/02/2021 – 31/01/2025 (Active)
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01/12/2020 – 30/09/2024 (Finished)
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01/10/2020 – 30/11/2024 (Active)
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KESS II MRes with Tokamak Energy- BUK2211
14/09/2020 – 31/03/2024 (Finished)
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KESS II MRes with Tokamak Energy- BUK2212
14/09/2020 – 31/03/2024 (Finished)
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UK-Indian Nuclear Network (UKINN)
01/08/2020 – 31/08/2025 (Active)
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80761 - BU273 Simultaneous thermal analysis for advanced materials performance analysis
01/06/2020 – 01/08/2022 (Finished)
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BEIS AMR Competition Phase 2 - Westinghouse LFR
01/06/2020 – 17/09/2024 (Finished)
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KESS II MRes with Tokamak Energy- BUK2210
01/04/2020 – 31/03/2024 (Finished)
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01/03/2020 – 30/09/2024 (Finished)
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01/10/2019 – 31/07/2024 (Finished)
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01/10/2019 – 31/10/2023 (Finished)
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KESS II Phd with Westinghouse Springfields - BUK2184
01/08/2019 – 31/03/2024 (Finished)
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KESS II Phd with Springfields Fuels Ltd- BUK2183
01/06/2019 – 31/03/2024 (Finished)
Layman's description
New fuels are being developed in collaboration with UK industry to help power the next generation of nuclear power reactors to be built here in Wales.