Biography
Álvaro Martínez is a DPhil Student in the Solid Mechanics and Materials Engineering group. He joined the University of Oxford at St Cross College in October 2021.
Álvaro received a BSc in Physics from the University of Salamanca and a MSc in Fusion Energy at the University of York realizing a project about plasma Microtearing modes.
His research is focused in modelling the crack formation of walls inside a Fusion reactor. This project is part of the Fusion CDT program and funded by the UKAEA and EuroFusion.
Research
Alvaro's PhD research “Modelling Fracture Properties of Fusion Reactor Materials” is based on the study of: Silicon carbide (SiC) fibre-reinforcement composites: Introducing fibers is an effective strategy to mitigate the brittleness of SiC, which possesses excellent properties for uranium cladding in fission reactors and for sustaining the lithium cells that creates the fusion fuel.
His research focuses on developing digital simulations that model fracture behaviour, allowing for the assessment of potential risks and the optimization of material composition.
Materials for Fusion Reactors: The UK Atomic Energy Authority is pursuing the development of advance materials capable of withstanding the extreme plasma temperatures required for fusion reactions. Alvaro's research involves modelling the plastic deformation of copper acting as a heat sink and the fracture behaviour of beryllium used to shield the reactor from the plasma.
Research Interests
- Plasma-Surface Interactions
- Fracture mechanics
- Materials Modelling
- FEM Fibre Reinforced Composites
- Crystal Plasticity
