REPRESENTATION OF HOMOGENIZED CROSS SECTIONS BY REDUCED MODELS AND MACHINE-LEARNING FOR MULTI-PHYSICS SIMULATION OF NUCLEAR REACTORS

This PhD program focuses on algorithms of machine-learning and data compression for model reduction, in order to optimize the reconstruction of few-group homogenized cross sections used for the computer simulation of nuclear reactors.

These data are fundamental for all coupled multi-physics calculations performed to study reactor design and safety. The use of data assimilation techniques will be considered to enhance the process of cross section preparation by lattice transport computer codes, thus allowing to properly address big data problems.

The improvements sought by the application of innovative mathematical methods aim at achieving a significant reduction in memory storage and in the overall computational time, still ensuring the best accuracy for the reconstructed cross sections.

LOCATION:

Département de Modélisation des Systèmes et Structures
Service des Réacteurs et de Mathématiques Appliquées
Laboratoire de Protection d’Etudes et de Conception
Place: Saclay, France
Start date of the thesis: Sept/Oct 2021

CONTACT PERSON:

Daniele Tomatis, Dr

e-mail : daniele.tomatis@cea.fr

CEA Saclay, France

Proposal in PDF format, French and English descriptions (one after the other) available for download , HERE

The Division of Applied Nuclear Physics at Uppsala University, together with Normandie Université (France) and GANIL, is looking for a doctoral student in experimental nuclear physics with focus on studies of neutron-induced reactions at the NFS (Neutrons For Science) facility at GANIL in Caen, France.

Description of the project: The main goal of this Ph. D. project is to perform experimental studies of different nuclear reactions induced by neutrons: production of light-ions and fission. The experiments will aim at improving the theoretical understanding of different nuclear reaction mechanisms, providing accurate nuclear data to fill gaps in the knowledge base for neutron cross-sections, and at increasing the accuracy of neutron reference cross sections.

The recently constructed NFS facility at GANIL (Caen, France) hosts the experimental setup Medley, developed by Uppsala University, which will be used to perform the envisaged measurements. Further upgrades of the setup, devoted to improve its performance, are ongoing and their implementation will also be a part of the Ph. D. project.

The main task for the PhD candidate will be to conduct cross-section measurements for nuclear fission and production of light ions induced by neutrons in the energy range 1-40 MeV, to collect and analyze data, and to compare the results with existing datasets and predictions of different theoretical model codes for nuclear reactions.

The doctoral student in this project will work in a multi-cultural environment and will have an active role in the group activities such as seminars, workshops, and courses. At the same time, he/she will be expected to work independently and to take personal responsibility for the progression of the project.

Since this Ph. D. project will lead to a double degree from Uppsala University (Sweden) and Normandie University (France), the candidate will spend two years in Caen, and two years in Uppsala.

Basic Information

• Salary: According to local agreement for PhD students.
• Starting date: 01-10-2021 or as otherwise agreed.
• Type of employment: Temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7.
• Scope of employment: 100 %.

Opportunity details

Requirements:

• A Master’s degree or equivalent in a field that is relevant for the research project, such as (but not limited to) Physics, Engineering Physics, or similar, is required. However, you can apply already before you obtain the degree.
• Excellent communication skills are required in written and spoken English.

Desirable qualifications and experience:

• Documented experience of working in a physics-based research environment and practical laboratory experience with nuclear and/or particle physics instrumentation and detectors, as well as with pertaining data acquisition systems.
• Since the work involves rather complex data-analysis, we desire proven programming skills. Previous knowledge in ROOT framework and in simulation environments (such as GEANT4, MCNP, FLUKA…) would be highly appreciated. Please provide documentation of the extent and type of experience.
• While the project is mainly experimental, experience and interest in theoretical nuclear physics would be an advantage.

Employment conditions:

The Doctoral student position is a 4-year appointment, shared between Uppsala University (Sweden) and Normandie University (France). The position is fully financed and the salary is in accordance with local guidelines at both universities. The candidate will primarily devote the time to his/her own research studies. Extension by several months in Uppsala is possible by including department duties at a level of at most 20%, typically teaching.

Information on post-graduate education, rules governing the enrollment as a doctoral student in The Higher Education Act and Higher Education Ordinance as well as the rules and regulations for doctoral students at Uppsala University can be found here: http://www.teknat.uu.se/education/postgraduate/

Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala University’s rules and guidelines.

For further information about the position please contact: Diego Tarrío, Ph.D.; email: diego.tarrio@physics.uu.se; phone: +46 70-167 90 79, Xavier Ledoux, Ph.D.; email: xavier.ledoux@ganil.fr.

Please submit your application by 30 July 2021, UFV-PA 2021/2204.

Proposal in PDF format, available for download HERE

For further information, please visit THIS LINK

The Reactor Engineering Division at the Jožef Stefan Institute, Slovenia, offers a four-year, full-time PhD position starting on October 2021.

JSI is looking for a PhD student to strengthen their research team in the field of computational structural mechanics, structural integrity and ageing of nuclear materials. The research team is specialized in the development of multiscale computational simulation tools for polycrystalline metallic alloys. The research focuses on the explicit modelling and simulations of ageing effects at the level of microstructure to improve the understanding of local cracking conditions.

Using statistical analysis of the simulation results, the goal is to identify critical parameters affecting the material integrity. The PhD research topic will be along these directions.

Basic Information

• Type : Full-time, 4 year PhD position (Young Researcher)
• Domain : Computational Structural Mechanics & Nuclear Materials
• Country : Slovenia
• Organisation : Jozef Stefan Institute

Opportunity details

The position is funded by the Slovenian Research Agency within the Young researchers program.

The PhD student will work at the Reactor Engineering Division at the Jožef Stefan Institute under the supervision of dr. Samir El Shawish.

JSI is looking for a candidate with a master’s degree in physics or similar field with good programming skills.

Experience with finite element modelling is beneficial but not required. ‍JSI expects a high level of motivation and diligence from the candidate, and they offer the possibility of conducting top scientific research and an excellent starting point for the development of a scientific career. The PhD student will be provided with a creative and stimulating research environment, access to a high-performance computing cluster and enabled training abroad.

Application deadline: June 30, 2021 – send your CV & Motivation Letter to samir.elshawish@ijs.si.

The PDF proposal can be downloaded from HERE