RESEARCH
INTERESTS OF OUR GROUP
Comprehensive
Investigations of Accident Tolerant Nuclear Fuels.
Nuclear
accidents illustrate the risks associated with the present design of reactors
based on pure urania (UO2) fuel with its low thermal conductivity
that deteriorates at high temperatures and upon further oxidation. Zircaloy
cladding reacts rapidly with water at high temperatures and highly explosive hydrogen gas can be released.
In the context of developing a sustainable
replacement for non-renewable energy sources, innovative research towards
enhanced accident-tolerant nuclear fuel (EATF) that can withstand the loss of
coolant for a long time is gaining momentum. EATF materials must have higher
thermal conductivities (κ) to prevent meltdown, a slower rate of hydrogen generation, and
improved retention of fission products. We demonstrated that high
thermal conductivity nuclear fuel is safer and longer-lasting due to reduced
thermal strain.
The overall objective of our
research is to qualify and develop a fundamental understanding of selected evolutionary
and revolutionary fuel concepts.
We
investigate ceramic and metallic fuels (with κ increasing with
temperature) using the software developed in our research group and advanced ab initio methods with predictive power
that are now being conceived through a worldwide collaboration. To prevent
errors and make state of the art codes more accessible to engineering students,
we have developed an interface, which will be further updated.
Methodology:
· Simulations:
Quantum Espresso, with SchengBTE, alma-BTE . EPW, Boltztrap and our own
interface written in Python; VASP, MEDEA, CASTEP, WIEN2k_18.2, LAMMPS
· Experimental
techniques include: In Prof. Szpunar
laboratory, the advanced Laser Flash Analyzer (TA-2800 system) is installed to
be used to measure thermal conductivity and diffusivity. The specimens can be
analyzed using maps of grain orientation distribution, grain-boundary character
distribution, grain-boundary structure, micro-texture, stress distribution, and
distribution of chemical elements. These data are mainly generated from
analysis of electron back scattered diffraction (EBSD) using FEG-SEM equipped
with orientation imaging (OIM) and EDS systems in our laboratory. X-ray
diffraction D8. Also, advanced 3D imaging can be used for analysis of internal
structure of fuel pellets and cladding materials using our system installed at
Canadian Light Source (CLS) located at the University of Saskatchewan. The XES
and XAS spectra are measured at CLS.
Please contact us about PhD. and MSc
positions/projects at the University of Saskatchewan (USASK):
Dr., P.Eng. Barbara Szpunar: B.Szpunar@usask.ca
Department of Physics and Engineering Physics
http://www.barbara-research.ca/
Dr., D. Sci, Prof. Jerzy Szpunar: jerzy.szpunar@usask.ca
Department of
Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering
To qualify for Physics Department scholarship 75% is required to get possibly a partial scholarship while it is needed 80% for a full departmental. This is after conversion to evaluation at USASK. Additionally, students are funded by NSERC grants.
FYI the links to past students thesis are listed in
references to this course: https://www.barbara-research.ca/MultidisciplinaryRS/MultidisciplRSPhys.htm
We also include info on Canada’s top Research
Universities: https://researchinfosource.com/top-50-research-universities/2021/list
PEP
Research Informa0on Session & Student-Faculty Mixer – Tuesday November 29,
2022: Advanced Materials for SMRs
The University of Saskatchewan is committed to employment equity and
diversity. Applications from the four designated equity groups (women, persons
with a disability/disabilities, Indigenous persons, and visible
minorities/racialized persons) are especially encouraged for this role. The
University of Saskatchewan relies on section 48 of The Saskatchewan
Human Rights Code
to give preference of employment.