The scope of the project is to investigate the particularities of high-temperature heat-pipe cooled microreactors by interchanging the heat-pipe working fluid. This project is entirely simulation-based and requires only computational work. Work will be done by using the Python-based OpenMC Monte Carlo code in a UNIX/Linux environment. The specific details of the project (e.g., reactor model, quantities of interest, and analysis focus) will be determined before or upon the student’s arrival, depending on the laboratory’s ongoing needs. If you have a nuclear background, you’ll have the chance to apply your knowledge to a practical, research-oriented project.
Area of study:
- Nuclear Engineering (mandatory background or related to the field of nuclear),
- Computer Science
Required technical skills:
- Reactor physics knowledge
- Python programing (average or higher proficiency)
- UNIX/Linux shell (basics is enough)
- OpenMC (optional - can be learned on the job)
Desired background/domain knowledge/experience/interests: Understanding of basic nuclear engineering concepts and how a nuclear reactor functions and behaves, interest in programing and data analysis, willingness to learn new computer codes, scientific curiosity, and initiative.
What you will learn:
- Working in a scientific environment
- Modeling and simulating a nuclear microreactor in OpenMC
- Data processing, visualization, and interpretation
Contact:
Alexandru Stafie
Alexandru.Stafie@psi.ch