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.
To qualify to be
accepted to our group 80% is required. This is after conversion to evaluation
at USASK. We are interested in students (in Physics Master student) who know
well python and are interested in simulations.
Please
see how to apply here: https://grad.usask.ca/programs/physics-engineering-physics.php
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
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.