Prof. Dr. rer. nat. habil. Winfried Petry

Courses and Dates

Offered Bachelor’s or Master’s Theses Topics

Advanced sample preparation for SEM/EDS/EBSD with an ion milling system

Starting fall 2021, the working group “High Density Nuclear Fuels” at the research neutron source Heinz Maier-Leibnitz (FRM II) is looking for a B.Sc. student / working student / internship Advanced sample preparation for SEM/EDS/EBSD with an ion milling system The research working group “High Density Nuclear Fuels” at the research reactor FRM II is working on the qualification of newly-developed high-density nuclear fuels in Europe. The most promising candidates are a metallic uranium-molybdenum alloy fuel (U-Mo) or high-density uranium silicide (U3Si2), both using aluminum-based cladding. Therefore, scientists in the fields of physics, chemistry, engineering, physical technology and computer science are working intensively together on fuel fabrication technologies, the determination of material properties as well as the irradiation behavior of such fuels. Sample preparation is typically required before electron microscope analyzes can be performed. Grinding and mechanical polishing are common preparation techniques to remove damage and flatten the surface. Such conventional techniques introduce surface artifacts like scratches, smearing and delamination especially at interfaces between different materials. These issues can be circumvented by an additional ion milling treatment. During this process, an argon ion beam sputters the sample surface, resulting in an atomic-level clean surface with minimized artifacts and thus enabling analysis of sub-surface structures. Several parameters such as ion energy, angle of beam incidence are adjustable for different applications. The applicant for this topic is supposed to develop optimal recipes of ion milling procedure for fuel samples with our newly purchased advanced ion milling system, possibly followed by electron microscopy and elemental analyses (SEM/EDS/EBSD). Best suited are students studying physics, engineering, materials science or comparable studies. We are looking forward to your application. Further information on the fuel development at FRM II can be found at https://www.frm2.tum.de/en/fuel-development For questions and applications, please contact Bruno Baumeister (bruno.baumeister@frm2.tum.de; +49 89 289 13967) Jingyi Shi (Jingyi.Shi@frm2.tum.de; +49 89 289 12695) Framework conditions The tasks typically involve working in radiation protection areas with open handling of radioactive materials such as uranium. The high security standard of FRM II generally requires a security clearance according to the German atomic law.

suitable as

• Bachelor’s Thesis Physics

Supervisor: Winfried Petry

Design and construction of a sample stage for ion irradiation experiments

Starting winter 2021, the working group “High Density Nuclear Fuels” at the research neutron source Heinz Maier-Leibnitz (FRM II) is looking for a B.Sc. student / working student / internship Design and construction of a sample stage for ion irradiation experiments The research working group “High Density Nuclear Fuels” at the research reactor FRM II is working on the qualification of newly-developed high-density nuclear fuels in Europe. The most promising candidates are a metallic uranium-molybdenum alloy fuel (U-Mo) or high-density uranium silicide (U3Si2), both using aluminum-based cladding. Therefore, scientists in the fields of physics, chemistry, engineering, physical technology and computer science are working intensively together on fuel fabrication technologies, the determination of material properties as well as the irradiation behavior of such fuels. Swift ion irradiation is found to be a time- and cost-efficient technique to simulate in-pile irradiation behavior of U-Mo/Al fuels. A new irradiation station will be set up at an international accelerator facility. The irradiation should be performed in a stable and controllable environment. Thus, the applicant for this topic is supposed to design and construct a multifunctional sample stage which should be able to load multiple samples and have integrated heating/cooling elements as well as temperature sensors. Best suited are students studying physics, engineering, materials science or comparable studies. We are looking forward to your application. Further information on the fuel development at FRM II can be found at https://www.frm2.tum.de/en/fuel-development For questions and applications, please contact Bruno Baumeister (bruno.baumeister@frm2.tum.de; +49 89 289 13967) Jingyi Shi (Jingyi.Shi@frm2.tum.de; +49 89 289 12695) Framework conditions The tasks typically involve working in radiation protection areas with open handling of radioactive materials such as uranium. The high security standard of FRM II generally requires a security clearance according to the German atomic law.

suitable as

• Bachelor’s Thesis Physics

Supervisor: Winfried Petry

Developing a production procedure for epitaxial U-Mo layers with PVD

Starting from October 2021, the working group “High Density Nuclear Fuels” at the research reactor FRM II is looking for a B.Sc. student / M.Sc. student / working student / internship Developing a production procedure for epitaxial U-Mo layers with PVD The research working group “High Density Nuclear Fuels” at the research reactor FRM II is working on the qualification of newly-developed high-density nuclear fuels in Europe. The most promising candidates are a metallic uranium-molybdenum alloy fuel (U-Mo) or high-density uranium silicide (U3Si2), both using aluminum-based cladding. Therefore, scientists in the fields of physics, chemistry, engineering, physical technology and computer science are working intensively together on fuel fabrication technologies, the determination of material properties as well as the irradiation behavior of such fuels. For metallic uranium-molybdenum fuel systems a diffusion barrier is established using Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) in order to prevent intermixing. The properties of these layers are essentially determined by their growth structure and can be altered with deposition parameters such as deposition power, applied bias voltage to the substrate and heating. Therefore, the scope of this project is to investigate how single crystalline U-Mo layers can be deposited with Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD). The analytical procedure will involve X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) of the samples for single crystal verification. The practical work will also include sample preparation and polishing techniques. Best suited are students studying physics, engineering, materials science or comparable studies. The scope of the project can be adjusted according to the degree of graduation. We are looking forward to receive your application. Further information on the fuel development at FRM II can be found at https://www.frm2.tum.de/en/fuel-development For questions and applications, please contact Bruno Baumeister (bruno.baumeister@frm2.tum.de; +49 89 289 13967) Julia Mausz (Julia.Mausz@frm2.tum.de ; +49 89 289 14419) Framework conditions The tasks typically involve working in radiation protection areas with open handling of radioactive materials such as uranium. The high security standard of FRM II generally requires a security clearance according to the German atmomic law. Interested students are encouraged to prepare or continue the scientific work within a working student position.

suitable as

• Bachelor’s Thesis Physics

Supervisor: Winfried Petry

Developing a production procedure for multilayer TEM Lamellae for STEM/TEM analysis

Starting spring 2022, the working group “High Density Nuclear Fuels” at the research neutron source Heinz Maier-Leibnitz (FRM II) is looking for a B.Sc. student / working student / internship Developing a production procedure for multilayer TEM Lamellae for STEM/TEM analysis The research working group “High Density Nuclear Fuels” at the research reactor FRM II is working on the qualification of newly-developed high-density nuclear fuels in Europe. The most promising candidates are a metallic uranium-molybdenum alloy fuel (U-Mo) or high-density uranium silicide (U3Si2), both using aluminum-based cladding. Therefore, scientists in the fields of physics, chemistry, engineering, physical technology and computer science are working intensively together on fuel fabrication technologies, the determination of material properties as well as the irradiation behavior of such fuels. For metallic uranium-molybdenum fuel systems a zirconium diffusion barrier is established using Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) in order to prevent intermixing with the aluminum cladding. The properties of these multilayers are examined with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Therefore, the scope of this project is to develop a standardized production procedure with the Focused Ion Beam and Scanning Electron Microscope (FIB-SEM) to shape the multi-layers into a defect-free lamella. The practical work will also include sample preparation and manufacturing, polishing techniques such as Ion Milling and mechanical polishing. Best suited are students studying physics, engineering, materials science or comparable studies. The scope of the project can be expanded to a Master’s Thesis. We are looking forward to receive your application. Further information on the fuel development at FRM II can be found at https://www.frm2.tum.de/en/fuel-development For questions and applications, please contact Bruno Baumeister (bruno.baumeister@frm2.tum.de; +49 89 289 13967) Julia Mausz (Julia.Mausz@frm2.tum.de ; +49 89 289 14419) Framework conditions The tasks typically involve working in radiation protection areas with open handling of radioactive materials such as uranium. The high security standard of FRM II generally requires a security clearance according to the German atomic law.

suitable as

• Bachelor’s Thesis Physics

Supervisor: Winfried Petry

EBSD and XRD Characterization of PVD Zirconium Layers

Starting spring 2022, the working group “High Density Nuclear Fuels” at the research neutron source Heinz Maier-Leibnitz (FRM II) is looking for a B.Sc. student / M.Sc. student / working student / internship EBSD and XRD Characterization of PVD Zirconium Layers The research working group “High Density Nuclear Fuels” at the research reactor FRM II is working on the qualification of newly-developed high-density nuclear fuels in Europe. The most promising candidates are a metallic uranium-molybdenum alloy fuel (U-Mo) or high-density uranium silicide (U3Si2), both using aluminum-based cladding. Therefore, scientists in the fields of physics, chemistry, engineering, physical technology and computer science are working intensively together on fuel fabrication technologies, the determination of material properties as well as the irradiation behavior of such fuels. For metallic uranium-molybdenum fuel systems a zirconium diffusion barrier is established using Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) in order to prevent intermixing. The mechanical properties of these zirconium layers are essentially determined by their growth structure and can be altered with deposition parameters such as deposition power, applied bias voltage to the substrate and heating. Therefore, the scope of this project is to produce zirconium layers with various parameters and to investigate the resulting microstructure and preferred orientation with respect to the used parameters using Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) measurements. The practical work will also include sample preparation techniques such as ion milling and mechanical polishing. Best suited are students studying physics, engineering, materials science or comparable studies. The scope of the project can be adjusted according to the degree of graduation. We are looking forward to receive your application. Further information on the fuel development at FRM II can be found at https://www.frm2.tum.de/en/fuel-development For questions and applications, please contact Bruno Baumeister (bruno.baumeister@frm2.tum.de; +49 89 289 13967) Julia Mausz (Julia.Mausz@frm2.tum.de ; +49 89 289 14419) Framework conditions The tasks typically involve working in radiation protection areas with open handling of radioactive materials such as uranium. The high security standard of FRM II generally requires a security clearance according to the German atomic law.

suitable as

• Bachelor’s Thesis Physics

Supervisor: Winfried Petry

Epitaxial growth of single crystalline U or U-Mo layers with PVD

Starting from October 2021, the working group “High Density Nuclear Fuels” at the research neutron source Heinz Maier-Leibnitz (FRM II) is looking for a B.Sc. student / M.Sc. student / working student / internship Epitaxial growth of single crystalline U or U-Mo layers with PVD Metallic Uranium shows a rich phase diagram. Elemental Uranium solidifies at 1135°C in the bcc -phase to transform upon cooling first to -Uranium (776°C) and finally (555°C) to the hexagonal -Uranium, which is the stable phase at room temperature. We intend to measure the phonon dispersion of -U, which ultimately needs single crystals, eventually as thin epitaxial films. We foresee two alternatives to reach this goal. Either it is possible to grow -U by physical vapor deposition (PVD) on a specially selected single crystalline substrate, which forces the Uranium to condense on the substrate in bcc structure or alternatively about 8 wt% Mo are alloyed to U, which stabilizes the high temperature -U to room temperature and epitaxial growth by PVD. The latter one is straight forward with the draw back to compromise by alloying a further metal, i.e. Mo. Therefore, the scope of this project is to investigate how single crystalline U or U-Mo layers can be deposited by means of Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD). The analytical procedure will involve X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) of the samples for single crystal verification. The practical work will also include sample preparation and polishing techniques. Best suited are students studying physics, engineering, materials science or comparable studies. The scope of the project can be adjusted according to the degree of graduation. We are looking forward to receive your application. Further information on the fuel development at FRM II can be found at https://www.frm2.tum.de/en/fuel-development For questions and applications, please contact Bruno Baumeister (bruno.baumeister@frm2.tum.de; +49 89 289 13967) Julia Mausz (Julia.Mausz@frm2.tum.de ; +49 89 289 14419) Prof. Winfried Petry (Winfried.Petry@frm2.tum.de ); +49 89 289 54704) Framework conditions The tasks typically involve working in radiation protection areas with open handling of radioactive materials such as uranium. The high security standard of FRM II generally requires a security clearance according to the German atomic law.

suitable as

• Bachelor’s Thesis Physics

Supervisor: Winfried Petry

In-situ electron microscopy for mechanical testing

Starting from July 2022, the working group “High Density Nuclear Fuels” at the research neutron source Heinz Maier-Leibnitz (FRM II) is looking for a M.Sc. student / working student / internship In-situ electron microscopy for mechanical testing The research working group “High Density Nuclear Fuels” at the research reactor FRM II is working on the qualification of newly-developed high-density nuclear fuels in Europe. The most promising candidates are a metallic uranium-molybdenum alloy fuel (U-Mo) or high-density uranium silicide (U3Si2), both using aluminum-based cladding. Therefore, scientists in the fields of physics, chemistry, engineering, physical technology and computer science are working intensively together on fuel fabrication technologies, the determination of material properties as well as the irradiation behavior of such fuels. As radioactive specimen are often limited in sample size, and mechanical properties cannot be measured quickly. Therefore, this project includes the installation of an in situ testing device for mechanical properties within the electron microscope. Further, an evaluation for different materials (e.g. uranium, aluminum, tungsten, zirconium…) is required, where the obtained mechanical data is compared to macroscopic measurements and alternative measurement techniques such as acoustic microscopes. The work also includes specimen preparation, which are cut with the Focused Ion Beam (FIB) of the Electron Microscope. Best suited are students studying physics, engineering, materials science or comparable studies. We are looking forward to receive your application. Further information on the fuel development at FRM II can be found at https://www.frm2.tum.de/en/fuel-development For questions and applications, please contact Bruno Baumeister (bruno.baumeister@frm2.tum.de; +49 89 289 13967) Julia Mausz (Julia.Mausz@frm2.tum.de ; +49 89 289 14419) Framework conditions The tasks typically involve working in radiation protection areas with open handling of radioactive materials such as uranium. The high security standard of FRM II generally requires a security clearance according to the German atomic law.

suitable as

• Master’s Thesis Nuclear, Particle, and Astrophysics

Supervisor: Winfried Petry

Plasma parameters of a PVD coating process for U-Mo fuels

Starting from November 2021, the working group “High Density Nuclear Fuels” at the research reactor FRM II is looking for a B.Sc. student / working student / internship Plasma parameters of a PVD coating process for U-Mo fuels The working group “High Density Nuclear Fuels” at the Research Neutron Source Heinz Maier-Leibnitz (FRM II) is working on the qualification of newly-developed high-density nuclear fuels in Europe. The most promising candidates are a metallic uranium-molybdenum alloy fuel (U-Mo) or high-density uranium silicide (U3Si2), both using aluminum-based cladding. Therefore, scientists in the fields of physics, chemistry, engineering, physical technology and computer science are working intensively together on fuel fabrication technologies, the determination of material properties as well as the irradiation behavior of such fuels. For metallic uranium-molybdenum fuel systems a diffusion barrier is established using Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) in order to prevent intermixing. The scope of this project is to do a parameter study on a PVD device regarding the ion and electron bombardment during the coating of the substrate material in order to get a better understanding of the growing layer. This will be used to better control the growth structure of the zirconium coatings in a way that it acts as a good diffusion barrier and also withstands the mechanical stresses of subsequent cladding applications. The practical work may also include sample preparation and polishing techniques. Best suited are students studying physics, engineering, materials science or comparable studies. We are looking forward to receive your application. Further information on the fuel development at FRM II can be found at https://www.frm2.tum.de/en/fuel-development For questions and applications, please contact Bruno Baumeister (bruno.baumeister@frm2.tum.de; +49 89 289 13967) Christian Schwarz (christian.schwarz@frm2.tum.de; +49 89 289 14759) Framework conditions The tasks typically involve working in radiation protection areas with open handling of radioactive materials such as uranium. The high security standard of FRM II generally requires a security clearance according to the German atomic law.

suitable as

• Bachelor’s Thesis Physics

Supervisor: Winfried Petry

Post-irradiation examination of U-Mo/Al based fuel samples irradiated by swift Xe ions

Starting spring 2022, the working group “High Density Nuclear Fuels” at the research neutron source Heinz Maier-Leibnitz (FRM II) is looking for a M.Sc. student / working student / internship Post-irradiation examination of U-Mo/Al based fuel samples irradiated by swift Xe ions The research working group “High Density Nuclear Fuels” at the research reactor FRM II is working on the qualification of newly-developed high-density nuclear fuels in Europe. The most promising candidates are a metallic uranium-molybdenum alloy fuel (U-Mo) or high-density uranium silicide (U3Si2), both using aluminum-based cladding. Therefore, scientists in the fields of physics, chemistry, engineering, physical technology and computer science are working intensively together on fuel fabrication technologies, the determination of material properties as well as the irradiation behavior of such fuels. The past test irradiations of U-Mo/Al fuels showed an unsatisfying irradiation behavior. This is mainly caused by the growth of an interdiffusion layer (IDL) between the two materials. To thoroughly study this phenomenon and find proper solutions, U-Mo/Al fuels with selected diffusion coating barriers have been prepared and shipped to Argonne National Laboratory (US) for ion irradiation tests, which can very well simulate in-reactor irradiation at a much lower cost. The applicant for this topic is supposed to work on the post-irradiation examination followed by the irradiation experiment with advanced techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with focused ion beam (FIB) sample preparation and element detection by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), as well as transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Best suited are students studying physics, engineering, materials science or comparable studies. We are looking forward to your application. Further information on the fuel development at FRM II can be found at https://www.frm2.tum.de/en/fuel-development For questions and applications, please contact Bruno Baumeister (bruno.baumeister@frm2.tum.de; +49 89 289 13967) Jingyi Shi (Jingyi.Shi@frm2.tum.de; +49 89 289 12695) Framework conditions The tasks typically involve working in radiation protection areas with open handling of radioactive materials such as uranium. The high security standard of FRM II generally requires a security clearance according to the German atomic law.

suitable as

• Master’s Thesis Nuclear, Particle, and Astrophysics

Supervisor: Winfried Petry

Preparation and investigation of U3Si2/Al fuel samples

Starting spring 2022, the working group “High Density Nuclear Fuels” at the research neutron source Heinz Maier-Leibnitz (FRM II) is looking for a M.Sc. student / working student / internship Preparation and investigation of U3Si2/Al fuel samples The research working group “High Density Nuclear Fuels” at the research reactor FRM II is working on the qualification of newly-developed high-density nuclear fuels in Europe. The most promising candidates are a metallic uranium-molybdenum alloy fuel (U-Mo) or high-density uranium silicide (U3Si2), both using aluminum-based cladding. Therefore, scientists in the fields of physics, chemistry, engineering, physical technology and computer science are working intensively together on fuel fabrication technologies, the determination of material properties as well as the irradiation behavior of such fuels. This project aims at gaining insight into the performance of high-density U3Si2/Al fuels. The applicant for this topic is supposed to prepare U3Si2/Al bilayer samples that can represent the fuel system using the Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) technique. The thermal properties of this kind of fuel can be investigated by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) measurements. To predict its irradiation behavior, ion irradiation experiments are expected to be performed under certain conditions that can represent the in-reactor irradiation environment. Best suited are students studying physics, engineering, materials science or comparable studies. We are looking forward to your application. Further information on the fuel development at FRM II can be found at https://www.frm2.tum.de/en/fuel-development For questions and applications, please contact Bruno Baumeister (bruno.baumeister@frm2.tum.de; +49 89 289 13967) Jingyi Shi (Jingyi.Shi@frm2.tum.de; +49 89 289 12695) Framework conditions The tasks typically involve working in radiation protection areas with open handling of radioactive materials such as uranium. The high security standard of FRM II generally requires a security clearance according to the German atomic law.

suitable as

• Master’s Thesis Nuclear, Particle, and Astrophysics

Supervisor: Winfried Petry

Property studies of U-Mo foils various origin

Starting from September 2022, the working group “High Density Nuclear Fuels” at the research reactor FRM II is looking for a B.Sc. student / working student / internship Property studies of U-Mo foils various origin The working group “High Density Nuclear Fuels” at the Research Neutron Source Heinz Maier-Leibnitz (FRM II) is working on the qualification of newly-developed high-density nuclear fuels in Europe. The most promising candidates are a metallic uranium-molybdenum alloy fuel (U-Mo) or high-density uranium silicide (U3Si2), both using aluminum-based cladding. Therefore, scientists in the fields of physics, chemistry, engineering, physical technology and computer science are working intensively together on fuel fabrication technologies, the determination of material properties as well as the irradiation behavior of such fuels. For metallic uranium-molybdenum fuel systems a diffusion barrier is established using Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) in order to prevent intermixing. The scope of this project is to compare U-Mo foils of different origin regarding their mechanical/metallurgical properties. The analytical procedure may involve hardness measurements, bending tests, optical microscopy, Scanning Electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD). The practical work will also include sample preparation and polishing techniques. Best suited are students studying physics, engineering, materials science or comparable studies. We are looking forward to receive your application. Further information on the fuel development at FRM II can be found at https://www.frm2.tum.de/en/fuel-development For questions and applications, please contact Bruno Baumeister (bruno.baumeister@frm2.tum.de; +49 89 289 13967) Christian Schwarz (christian.schwarz@frm2.tum.de; +49 89 289 14759) Framework conditions The tasks typically involve working in radiation protection areas with open handling of radioactive materials such as uranium. The high security standard of FRM II generally requires a security clearance according to the German atomic law.

suitable as

• Bachelor’s Thesis Physics

Supervisor: Winfried Petry

Study of Kirkendall effect in U-Mo/Al layer systems

Starting immediately, the working group “High Density Nuclear Fuels” at the research neutron source Heinz Maier-Leibnitz (FRM II) I is looking for a M.Sc. student / working student / internship Study of Kirkendall effect in U-Mo/Al layer systems The research working group “High Density Nuclear Fuels” at the research reactor FRM II is working on the qualification of newly-developed high-density nuclear fuels in Europe. The most promising candidates are a metallic uranium-molybdenum alloy fuel (U-Mo) or high-density uranium silicide (U3Si2), both using aluminum-based cladding. Therefore, scientists in the fields of physics, chemistry, engineering, physical technology and computer science are working intensively together on fuel fabrication technologies, the determination of material properties as well as the irradiation behavior of such fuels. The past test irradiations of U-Mo/Al fuels showed an unsatisfying swelling under irradiation. This is mainly caused by the growth of an interdiffusion layer (IDL) between the two materials. Initial fission gas accumulation sites are possibly located in nm-sized voids formed due to the unequal diffusion rates of the two species (Kirkendall effect). This effect can be observed for example by placing insoluble markers at the interface, which move relative to the interface. The applicant for this topic is supposed to prepare U-Mo/Al bilayer samples with selected inert markers, conduct ion irradiation or heating experiments to activate the atomic diffusion, and perform scanning electron microscopy/ energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX) analyses. The goal of this study is to obtain an in-depth understanding of the fission gas accumulation and growth in U-Mo/Al fuels. Best suited are students studying physics, engineering, materials science or comparable studies. We are looking forward to your application. Further information on the fuel development at FRM II can be found at https://www.frm2.tum.de/en/fuel-development For questions and applications, please contact Bruno Baumeister (bruno.baumeister@frm2.tum.de; +49 89 289 13967) Jingyi Shi (Jingyi.Shi@frm2.tum.de; +49 89 289 12695) Framework conditions The tasks typically involve working in radiation protection areas with open handling of radioactive materials such as uranium. The high security standard of FRM II generally requires a security clearance according to the German atomic law.

suitable as

• Master’s Thesis Nuclear, Particle, and Astrophysics

Supervisor: Winfried Petry