The design and simulation of micro-reactors for space propulsion, lunar surface power and planetary defence

人们越来越有兴趣使人类能够比历史上已经实现的更深入、更长久地探索太空，包括在月球表面永久存在和火星旅行。为了实现这些目标，重要的是设计和开发紧凑、高效、长寿命（长达10年）和高功率（兆瓦级）的核反应堆系统。这些高功率空间反应堆的设计也为人类开发更广泛的系统奠定了基础，这些系统能够使近地天体偏离可能与地球相撞的轨道。该项目将涉及微型反应堆的3D模拟，用于上述目的，重点是中子和燃料行为。考虑到燃料完整性在确定反应堆概念是否可行方面的重要作用，将特别关注确保燃料能够在任务目标的设计限制内运行，并在燃料模拟领域使用先进的不确定性分析技术。成功的学生将有机会与英国和美国的顶尖专家一起工作，模拟微型反应堆。候选人应具有以下方面的经验：使用编程语言（如Python）；大型数据集的操作；概率理论;最重要的是对理解和应用数学过程来解决使用计算基础设施的现实问题的兴趣。

There is increasing interest in enabling humans to explore further into space and for longer periods of time than has historically been achieved, including a permanent presence on the lunar surface and travel to Mars. To achieve these aims it will be important to design and develop compact, efficient, long-lived (up to 10 years), and high-power (MW-electric scale) nuclear reactor systems. These high-power space reactor designs also open up the foundations for humanity to develop a wider array of systems capable of deflecting Near Earth Objects on a potential collision course with Earth.The project will involve 3D simulation of micro-reactors for the purposes outlined above, with a focus on neutronics and fuel behaviour. Given the important role fuel integrity plays in determining if a reactor concept is viable, there will be a particular focus on ensuring the fuel can operate within its design limits for the mission objectives and make use of advanced uncertainty analysis techniques in the area of fuel simulation. The successful student will have the opportunity to work with leading experts in the UK and the US in modelling micro-reactors.The candidate should have experience in the following areas: use of a programming language (such as Python); manipulation of large datasets; probability theory; and most importantly an interest in understanding and applying mathematical processes to solve real-world problems using computational infrastructure.