Nuclear-Electric Modelling

核电建模

• 批准号: 2128857
• 金额: --
• 依托单位: University of Bristol
• 依托单位国家: 英国
• 项目类别: Studentship
• 财政年份: 2018
• 资助国家: 英国
• 起止时间: 2018 至 无数据
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://gtr.ukri.org/projects?ref=studentship-2128857
• 关键词: Nuclear; Electric; Modelling

This work will build on the computational study already performed by the student as part of their Physics Masters thesis. This involved the use of computational methods to assess the feasibility of using neutron irradiation to transmute diamond samples into beta-voltaic devices based upon Tritium, Carbon-14 and/or Beryllium-10. Such devices exhibit low power and exceptionally long lifetimes of 12, 5730 and 1.39 million years respectively. Furthermore, the prototypes produced will form the basis for the mass-manufacture of diamond beta-voltaic devices using radioisotopes re-purposed from nuclear waste. Additionally, the study explored the electronic behaviour of diamond for optimising thicknesses of such devices to maximise energy density and power output. The work has proposed several designs for prototype compositions of synthetic diamond which will be manufactured over the coming months using cutting-edge methods to be irradiated at Kyoto University Research Reactor (KURRI) in Japan.The modelling processes developed by the student also proved useful in characterising gamma energy harvesting in diamond; a key process in the use of diamond in fusion reactors as well as radiation detection and nuclear waste management. Such energy harvesting processes are analogous with other innovative energy industries where simulation techniques are increasingly relied upon.This PhD is an extension of the previous 'proof of concept' research the student completed at Masters-level to provide an in-depth modelling study of both gamma and beta-voltaic diamond energy harvesting cells to optimise device parameters and power outputs for future commercialisation. This would include the development of diamond-based gamma and beta-voltaic devices for direct nuclear-electric generation in a fusion reactor.Furthermore, it will build on previous modelling the student has performed regarding layer thicknesses and compositions as well as making neutronics calculations for reactor irradiations of specific isotopic configurations for beta-voltaic applications. The student will extend and build upon the specialist skills they have developed through use of training courses and facilities as well as inter-disciplinary laboratories. The study will also utilise available radiation facilities and practical work to provide validation of the models created from operational prototype devices. The resulting experimental data allows models to be refined and potentially adapted to other related areas such as semiconductor physics, energy harvesting, radiation detection and nuclear waste characterisation. During the study it is expected that the student will attend international conferences in related areas to their work to expand upon specialist skills and knowledge. For example, the computational modelling of complex systems like the nuclear and electrical properties of materials such as synthetic diamond. Attention may also be paid to how the students work in optimising devices relates to the prospects of commercialisation and business models. New opportunities and potential uses for the computational techniques and experience accrued during the study may arise and will be explored as part of the investigation or in the form of a sabbatical. The practical work involved will include the student attending experiments at international facilities such as KURRI in Japan and at various UK/EU/US irradiation sites. The studentship will be funded through 50% EPSRC DTA with CASE support from CCFE via the Eurofusion programme.

这项工作将建立在学生已经完成的计算研究的基础上，作为他们物理硕士论文的一部分。这涉及使用计算方法来评估使用中子辐照将金刚石样品转化为基于氚、碳-14和/或铍-10的β伏打装置的可行性。这些器件具有低功耗和超长寿命，分别为12，5730和139万年。此外，所生产的原型将成为利用核废料中的放射性同位素大规模制造金刚石β-伏打装置的基础。此外，该研究还探索了金刚石的电子行为，以优化此类设备的厚度，从而最大限度地提高能量密度和功率输出。这项工作提出了几种合成金刚石原型成分的设计，这些合成金刚石将在未来几个月内使用尖端方法在日本京都大学研究反应堆（KURRI）进行辐照。这是在核聚变反应堆中使用金刚石以及辐射探测和核废料管理的关键过程。这种能量收集过程类似于其他创新能源行业，其中越来越多地依赖于模拟技术。该博士学位是学生在硕士水平完成的先前“概念证明”研究的延伸，为伽马和β-伏打金刚石能量收集电池提供深入的建模研究，以优化设备参数和未来商业化的功率输出。这将包括开发用于在聚变反应堆中直接核能发电的金刚石伽马和β伏打器件，此外，还将建立在学生以前进行的关于层厚度和成分的建模以及为β伏打应用对特定同位素配置的反应堆辐照进行中子学计算的基础上。学生将通过使用培训课程和设施以及跨学科实验室来扩展和建立他们所开发的专业技能。该研究还将利用现有的辐射设施和实际工作，以验证从操作原型设备创建的模型。由此产生的实验数据使模型得以改进，并可能适用于其他相关领域，如半导体物理，能量收集，辐射探测和核废料表征。在学习期间，预计学生将参加相关领域的国际会议，以扩大专业技能和知识。例如，复杂系统的计算建模，如人造金刚石等材料的核和电特性。还可以关注学生如何优化与商业化和商业模式前景相关的设备。在研究期间积累的计算技术和经验的新机会和潜在用途可能会出现，并将作为调查的一部分或以休假的形式进行探索。所涉及的实际工作将包括学生参加在国际设施，如在日本的KURRI和在英国/欧盟/美国的各个辐照站点的实验。该奖学金将通过50%的EPSRC DTA资助，并通过Eurofusion计划获得CCFE的CASE支持。