PhD position on Uncertainty Quantification of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Simulations for Lead-cooled Small Modular Reactors

Lead-cooled Small Modular fission Reactors (SMRs) are a promising GEN IV nuclear fission concept. CFD simulations are crucial for the design of the reactor. Optimizing the performance and safety of the reactor is a critical aspect of the simulations. Current design calculations are mainly based on series of individual simulations for a variety of parameter settings. Rigorous and efficient uncertainty quantification (UQ) of the simulations for lead-cooled SMRs is currently limited.

The objective of this four-year PhD is to develop an automated UQ framework for CFD simulations of lead-cooled SMRs. To this end, state-of-the-art Bayesian UQ techniques will be adopted. By using adjoint-based gradients – which our group already uses for the design of the reactor – uncertainties can be estimated with a computational cost of only a couple of CFD simulations. The main considered uncertainties are the parameters of the selected Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) model and boundary conditions such as the fission power of the core of the reactor. The former is especially critical for low-Prandtl fluids such as lead, for which the Reynolds analogy that directly relates the turbulent heat flux to the turbulent momentum flux, becomes invalid. This UQ framework will be the basis for a robust design of future reactors.

The successful candidate will join the group of Prof. Niels Horsten, who is appointed as academic chair for the thermal-hydraulics research on lead-cooled SMRs. In addition, there will be supervision of Prof. Yann Bartosiewicz. Please visit the website of the institute for the research of both supervisors:Faculty | Université catholique de Louvain.

This PhD position is funded by an internal UCLouvain FSR project. As part of this funding scheme, the candidate is required to apply for an FNRS or FRIA PhD scholarship (up to two attempts). If both applications are unsuccessful but the second attempt receives an “A” score, the FSR funding will be extended to cover the remainder of the PhD. If the applications are unsuccessful without an “A” score, and the candidate receives a positive evaluation after two years, we will work together to secure alternative funding.

Applicants should express their interest by sending an email to Prof. Niels Horsten ([emailprotected]) . The email should strictly contain the following information in the text body, in bullets:

• Name
• Master degree (Master specification, University + Country, Year obtained, Promotor)
• Master thesis title
• A one paragraph (up to half an A4 page) statement explaining the motivation for applying for this vacancy at UCLouvain.

Please also attach an academic CV and a PDF of your diplomas and transcript of course work and grades.

Note that if you do not receive a response to your email within three weeks, this means you have not been selected for the second stage. Decision: as soon as a suitable candidate applies (so do not wait until the closing date to apply). Start date: to be agreed upon with the successful candidate.

For more information, please contact Prof. Niels Horsten at [emailprotected].

Where to apply

E-mail

[emailprotected]

Requirements

Research Field

Engineering » Mechanical engineering

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field

Engineering » Nuclear engineering

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field

Engineering » Aerospace engineering

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field

Mathematics » Computational mathematics

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

You are a highly motivated, enthusiastic, and communicative researcher, and you are strongly interested in advancing the field of numerical simulation and design of lead-cooled SMRs. Moreover, you are a team player that enjoys collaborating with people within the research group, and have

• A master's degree in Engineering with a background in mechanical engineering, nuclear engineering, aerospace engineering, mathematical engineering, or a related field, from a reputable institute, with at least distinction
• A background in related fields such as numerical modeling, fluid mechanics, and heat and mass transfer
• The qualities to carry out independent research, demonstrated, e.g., by the grades obtained on your MSc thesis
• A critical mindset

Specific Requirements

Additional research/educational experience in any of the following topics is considered a strong advantage:

• Coding in languages such as Python and C++
• CFD software (OpenFOAM, Ansys, ...)
• Numerical optimization
• Flow solvers
• Heat transfer modeling

Languages

ENGLISH

Level

Excellent

Additional Information

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Institute of Mechanics, Materials and Civil Engineering

Country

Belgium

City

Louvain-la-Neuve

Postal Code

1348

Street

Place du Levant 2

Contact

State/Province

Brabant-Wallon

City

Louvain-la-Neuve

Website

http://www.uclouvain.be

Street

Place de l'Université, 1

Postal Code

1348

E-Mail

[emailprotected]