PhD Research Studentships

Multi-Physics Simulation of Nuclear Reactor Cores using Reduced Order Models

Supervisor:	Andrew BUCHAN
Apply by:	31 May 2018

Description

Fast and accurate solutions to the Boltzmann Transport Equation (BTE) are central to the safe and controlled operation of nuclear reactor cores. The equation describes the growth and distribution of the neutron population within a reactor core, and it determines the energy produced through fission. Computer simulation is nearly always employed to resolve the equation but complications occur when discretising its large phase-space dimensions. Typically the simulation of whole reactor cores lead to a very large systems of equations that require long computational solving times.

In this project a new reduced order model approach will be developed and integrated within a finite element based Boltzmann Transport Equation solver used in the study of nuclear reactors. It will aim to develop advanced mathematical models, to challenge current methods, in order to substantially increase the efficiency of computing highly detailed solutions of full scale nuclear reactor cores, and to potentially provide real time analysis of current reactors and future designs.

This is a multi-physics based project that will develop mathematical models that resolve the strongly coupled physics of neutron transport and fluid flows in reactor cores. The applicant should possess a good Honours degree (minimum 2(i) honours or equivalent) in a relevant discipline (mathematics, engineering, physics, computational science) with a strong emphasis in applied mathematics, engineering and/or mathematical modelling. This will involve a substantial amount of developing large computer codes, thus experience in using computer programming languages (python/Fortran/C/C++) would be an advantage, but not essential.

QMUL Research Studentship Details

Available to Home/EU Applicants only.
Full Time programme only
Applicant required to start in Late September/October 2018
The studentship arrangement will cover tuition fees and provide an annual stipend for up to three years (Currently set as £16,553 in 2017/18).
The minimum requirement for this studentship opportunity is a good Honours degree (minimum 2(i) honours or equivalent) or MSc/MRes in a relevant discipline.
If English is not your first language then you will require a valid English certificate equivalent to IELTS 6.5+ overall with a minimum score of 6 in Writing and 5.5 in all sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking).
Please note that this studentship is only available to Home/EU Applicants. (See: http://www.welfare.qmul.ac.uk/money/feestatus/ for details)

Supervisor Contact Details:

For informal enquiries about this position, please contact Dr Andrew G Buchan

E-mail: a.buchan@qmul.ac.uk

Application Method:

To apply for this studentship and for entry on to the PhD Mechanical Engineering programme (Full Time) please follow the instructions detailed on the following webpage:

http://www.qmul.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/subjects/engineering.html

Further Guidance: http://www.qmul.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/

Please be sure to include a reference to ‘2018 SEMS AGB’ to associate your application with this studentship opportunity.

Eligibility

The minimum requirement for this studentship opportunity is a good honours degree (minimum 2(i) honours or equivalent) or MSc/MRes in a relevant discipline.
If English is not your first language, you will require a valid English certificate equivalent to IELTS 6.5+ overall with a minimum score of 6.0 in Writing and 5.5 in all sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking).
Candidates are expected to start in (Semester ).
SEMS and Principal-funded studentships: this studentship arrangement covers home tuition fees and provides an annual stipend for up to three years (currently set at the 2023/24 stipend rate of £20,622 pa)
Note that Queen Mary Research Studentships cover home-rated tuition fees only (See: www.welfare.qmul.ac.uk/money/feestatus/ for details)
Overseas applicants would be required to meet the difference between home and international tuition fees

Contact

For informal enquiries about this opportunity, please contact Andrew BUCHAN.