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The Paul Scherrer Institute is with 1300 employees the largest research centre for the natural and engineering sciences in Switzerland and a worldwide leading user laboratory. Its research activities are concentrated on the three main topics of solid-state physics, energy and environmental research as well as human health.
For the Core Behaviour Group of the Laboratory for Reactor Physics and Systems Behaviour we are looking for a
PhD Studentneutron cross-section uncertainty propagation in LWR criticality safety evaluations based on Monte-Carlo codesYour tasks
The PhD project relates to enhancements of computational methodologies, based on Monte Carlo particle transport codes with modern continuous-energy neutron data libraries and used for criticality safety evaluations of LWR spent fuel configurations. More specifically, the aim of the project is the development and the optimization of numerical methods to propagate neutron cross-section uncertainties in criticality safety analyses performed with Monte-Carlo codes.
This will include
a) analytical developments related to data processing and propagation methods
b) programming and numerical verification
c) assessment and validation against critical experiments and/or computational benchmarks
The propagation methods will in a first stage aim at fresh fuel configurations but studies towards their implementation for Burnup Credit applications will also be included as part of this project. The long-term objective is that the developed method(s) will allow quantifying in a more rigorous manner, the neutron cross-section related uncertainties in calculated effective multiplication factor. This in turn should strengthen the scientific basis for criticality safety methodologies and increase thereby the confidence in their predictive capabilities, a necessary requirement in the perspective of establishing less conservative but more reliable regulatory safety criteria.
Your profile
You should have a Master degree in nuclear engineering, physics or mathematical statistics. Some background in neutronics and familiarity with neutron transport solution methods as well as experience with Monte Carlo codes would certainly be an asset. You are willing to work efficiently in a multidisciplinary team where your creativity and ability to formulate and solve scientific problems will be particularly valued. Your motivation for publishing in peer-reviewed journals and your commitment to actively participate in the national nuclear education programs, including support to trainees, master students and/or participation in teaching activities, will be highly appreciated. Solid skills in scientific programming languages (e.g. FORTRAN, C, Perl, Matlab) as well as a good knowledge of oral and written English are required. Basic knowledge of German would be an advantage.
For further information please contact: Dr Alexander Vasiliev, phone +41 56 310 27 02, or Hakim Ferroukhi, phone +41 56 310 40 62,
Please submit your application to: Paul Scherrer Institut, Human Resources, Ref. code 4102, Sabine Mier, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland or to:
08.03.2010 |
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